Bulleen Heights School, which Ms Kiefel's son attended in 2005

A BLACKBURN mother suing the Education Department has listed a Bulleen school for disabled students among three schools she has accused of discriminating against her autistic son.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

The lack of action has upset Golden Way resident Teresa De Stefanis

TRAFFIC lights promised for busy Bulleen and Templestowe intersections will be delivered “within the (first) term of government”, says Bulleen state Liberal MP Nicholas Kotsiras.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

The truck caught fire just after 12.20pm, near the Bulleen Rd exit.

The truck that was on fire just after the Bulleen Rd exit has been burnt out and will need to be towed away.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

North East Link

When I read about the North East Link I can’t help feel a better approach would be to extend to ring road at Greensborough to connect with East Link. That would remove a great amount of traffic from the roads where they use the short cut from Bulleen to Greensborough. The North East Link would remove some of this traffic but possibly create a problem in the Watsonia area. Connecting the ring road to East Link would remove the need for the short cut and the North East Link.

TRANSPORT Minister Terry Mulder has refused to rule out going ahead with North East Link, despite a fellow Liberal minister declaring there was "no appetite" for the freeway. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Childcare has helped Sienne Keane, 2, become assertive and confident, says her mother, Therese

Childcare kids have more temper tantrums and a worse dose of the "terrible twos" than other children, new Australian research shows. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Melanie Dimitropoulos, 17, from Bulleen

Testing the water and finding it too cold, Melanie Dimitropoulos, 17, from Bulleen, was excited the bulk of the year 12s would soon arrive.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Police sting at a Bulleen carwash

AN Eaglemont man caught with drugs in his underpants during a police sting at a Bulleen carwash has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in jail.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

THE Bulleen Boomers owe Manningham council more than $150,000 in unpaid rent

According to Ms Wilson, the Boomers should be paying monthly rent of $629 plus all outgoing costs for the Sheahans Road facility, and $2323 plus all outgoing costs for the Templestowe Leisure Centre stadium. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Bulleen mum Rebecca Johnson

Bulleen mum Rebecca Johnson, 33, says she does more of the housework than husband Brett, 39, but she works three days and he six.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Allegedly stole a large amount of cash from the Yarra Valley Country Club

The trio, including two men and a woman, allegedly stole a large amount of cash from the Yarra Valley Country Club on October 1.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Art patrons John and Sunday Reed

NEXT week the Heide Museum of Modern Art celebrates its 30th anniversary as a public gallery. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Carlton Football Club look for venue in Manningham

CARLTON Football Club says it is “looking at opportunities” at Bulleen’s Manningham Club when the current lease expires next year.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster rail hope

A FEASIBILITY study starting this week is the “critical first step” in getting a train to Doncaster, says Doncaster state Liberal MP Mary Wooldridge.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Sen-Constable Anthony Downes said the fires were lit about 6.40pm on Friday in Latrobe St.

A WHEELIE bin, hard rubbish and a box of toys were torched in a petty arson spree in Bulleen.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Excavator stolen from Bulleen

It’s believed the thieves broke into a construction site on Thompsons Rd between 4pm on Saturday and 8am on Tuesday to steal the excavator.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems.
No problem too small.

Anthony Filippousis, with his American British staffordshire terrier Zeus

OWNERS of Manningham’s 57 registered American staffordshire terriers will need to provide evidence their dogs are not American pit bull terriers when the council comes knocking.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Cash, bourbon stolen from Cellarbrations in Thompsons Rd

A lone attendant at Cellarbrations in Thompsons Rd was accosted by a man in his thirties who threatened him with serious violence if he didn’t open the till, said detective Sen-Constable Jason Stewart from the Embona taskforce.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Number plate recognition devices would be used in main thoroughfares

Acting Sergeant Shannon Elston, from the Nunawading Highway Patrol, said number plate recognition devices would be used in main thoroughfares such as Bulleen, Thompsons, Warrandyte and Doncaster roads.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

YARRA Valley Country Club is reeling after an armed robbery on Saturday night.

Armed Crime Taskforce Det Sgt Nathan Favre said two men, both armed with weapons, held up the Bulleen club’s gaming area at around 8pm.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

A brief summary of JustLocal for Templestowe residents and businesses.

I wanted to share with others in Templestowe what JustLocal is about. I’m a computer consultant with a large amount of expertise across a range of computer related disciplines. I find the best way to show others is by example.

What I did is what anyone with a small amount of assistance can do. The difference between myself and others is I assist people and charge for my time. I share my knowledge so people aren’t tied to myself or my services. My hope is that by looking after their interests they’ll appreciate the services I offer. I’ve found it to be an approach which works well because others don’t work that way.

To  explain JustLocal for residents and businesses in Templestowe, I decided to build a web page. For any business this is very easy to do. If you can design a single page brochure to promote your business, your brochure can be reproduced with minimal time and cost as a web site to let others in your area know your business exists.

In this case I decided to register the domain for www.Templestowe.biz, set up hosting space, point the domain at the hosting space, create a web page and then upload the web page. In a couple of hours the page was live on the internet. I literally just set this up and it is live within minutes. You should however wait usually 24 hours to make sure the domain has filtered through the internet.

I have a number of low cost approaches I can show people how to set up a presence on the internet. Some approaches they can maintain themselves with minimal technical skills. All that is required is some basic training and some support when required. Other approaches require a little more training and some software.

With some basic training and support you can literally have a web presence up within 24 hours and your only out-of-pocket cost could be the domain, which costs around $10-$30 a year depending on the domain you wish to use.

I’d encourage every small business to get a presence on the internet. It looks so much more professional to send out emails for a business using yourname@yourbusinessname.com (or .com.au) than yourname@gmail.com or yourname@hotmail.com. By using a domain every email you send out helps promote your business. I find people do check out your web site based on your email address.

A lot of people put thousands into a web presence and the only business that makes money is the web developer. I believe people should start small and as your investment generates business for you, then reinvest some of that money and evolve your presence.

If you don’t have a web presence and want something to get your started give me a call. My aim is to use my skills to help others cost effectively promote their business on the internet.

If you just wish to read a little more about JustLocal then visit www.Templestowe.biz.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you’re local require assistance with a web presence.

IT WAS David Russell's first show since breaking a leg, three ribs, an arm and every bone in his face.

Paramedics later told the Bulleen-based stunt man he had “died” momentarily in the ambulance.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Autumn Laing is informed by real-life figures of Australian cultural history, Alex Miller says

The late Sunday Reed, the philanthropist and art collector who, with her husband, John, was at the centre of that spirited, bohemian milieu at the Bulleen dairy where they lived, the property later becoming the Heide Museum of Modern Art.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Eastern Community Legal Centre's Bulleen outreach service

HALF of those who have sought help from the Eastern Community Legal Centre’s Bulleen outreach service have had Family Court problems.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Sam Bramham: Paralympian is one-man prank patrol.

The self-proclaimed prankster, who grew up in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and trains in Bulleen, says he often finds himself in a spot of trouble.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Doncaster and Bulleen, had greater Melbourne's lowest crime rate

Manningham, which includes Doncaster and Bulleen, had greater Melbourne's lowest crime rate with just under three crimes for every 100 residents.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Pat and Lorna O'Rafferty, from Bulleen

Pat and Lorna O’Rafferty, from Bulleen, are still partying after notching up 63 years together.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Bulleen Community Festival this weekend.

YOU can get your face painted, ride a pony, eat delicious food and even pick up a charity auction bargain at this weekend’s Bulleen Community Festival.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

The Bulleen Supporters Group has raised $92,000 for conservative politics for the financial years 2008 to 2010.

It is the sixth renegade Liberal group flushed out of suburban Melbourne since The Age revealed the activities of developer-linked Business First in July. The total amount of money belatedly disclosed in that time is $450,000.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Mother of two Jessica Clarke has lost 43kg over two years

Mother of two Jessica Clarke has lost 43kg over two years through Weight Watchers, with her weight falling from 106kg to 63kg.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Pin board now added to Online Connections

When I walk into a local business I notice one thing, or should I say I generally notice one thing that is missing. A few businesses have a notice board where their customers can add their business card and that way the business helps their customers. I think that is a great idea. I also notice some businesses will help their customers by putting a few business cards on their counter. That way the business gives back to their customer that really doesn’t cost them much but generates a lot of good will.

Since I don’t have a counter or a wall for a noticeboard I can’t help my customers in this way, but I do have a web site and can provide a virtual pin board. Whilst my virtual pin board has been around for a while I decided to give it more prominence on my site. I’ve added Pin Board to the main menu and to the left side menu.

I’m happy to refer my customers to others. It is only because of them I have a business and I can support my family.

If you have a local business do think about helping your customers by helping to promote them. They’ll appreciate the help and it is good for business. If you only have a web site then consider doing what I’m doing. I do think the days where we help each other, rather than a business just providing products and services for profit, will become the norm rather than the exception.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you need assistance with your computer.

Jo Leedham continues Olympic countdown by signing for Australian club Bulleen Boomers

Leedham believes the move is perfect for her as it will see her link up with Boomers coach Tom Maher, who is also the head coach of Great Britain’s women’s basketball team.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Local search using Google Custom Search no longer available from JustLocal pages

As part of a trial I added a local search feature to JustLocal where locals could search for products and services from local businesses. This isn’t required for JustLocal as JustLocal provides single click access from a postcode page to the site of the business.

The feature used the Google Custom Search but unfortunately I’ve found this service isn’t reliable enough and the results provided were inadequate, often not providing a business even though the business provided the product or service. I also found issues when adding sites.

I’ve decided rather than to continue to provide a search feature which I don’t feel is up to standard to remove the search option from JustLocal.

The aim of JustLocal is to provide a portal to quickly access the sites of local businesses. By doing this we promote the site of the local business, and the consumer or business using JustLocal to find products and services, obtains the latest information by going direct to the site of the business.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
(An Online Connections service.)

Would you like the preferred Australian English spelling to be available for Microsoft Office?

If you’d like the preferred Australian English spelling to be made available as a spellcheck dictionary for Microsoft Office please make the effort to add your voice.

I’m currently in contact with Microsoft and to their credit, they are taking my request for assistance to make my work available with Microsoft Office and passing the request through their channels.

For Microsoft right now I’m a lone voice with a request. If you’d like my work to be available with Microsoft Office please help by adding your voice by making a comment on this blog post. I’ve tried this on a number of occasions over the last five years so this will be the last attempt at making the preferred Australian English spelling available to Australian Microsoft users. It is now or never so please make your voice heard.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

 

Need help setting up email on your mobile phone?

One of my clients wrote this to me.

I have an Iphone and can't work out how to get emails happening - is this something you could help me with? I have been back to Telstra shop but they are bloody hopeless.

Generally the people at the Telstra shop are sales people and their skill with technology will be quite varied. We can’t all be good at everything. In addition to work out how best to set up the iPhone, you need to first work out what options you have available. There services you are currently using will limit your options and I find people need a small amount of training to understand what can and can’t be done. Unfortunately every option currently available has a number of trade-offs and people are usually restricted in the options they can use based on their previous choices. The result is a compromise and people need to be aware of what the compromise entails.

I find it is much easier to help people set up the smart phone if they are present. Working with them over the telephone where you need to step them through the menus can be quite time consuming. In the case of this client I assisted them over the telephone and what I couldn’t see was the iPhone 4 suffers from the “death grip”, where if held in a certain way the signal strength drops considerably and connectivity can be intermittent or drop out completely, was making support more difficult. I’m happy to assist people with telephone support but generally it can be more time consuming and thus more expensive for some problems.

If you need assistance with setting up email on your mobile phone, tablet, or in fact any computer, I’m happy to assist.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if your need assistance with your computer.

Paul's collect-a-cap organisations your can donate your caps to.

The Paul’s collect-a-cap promotion appears to be a good way to community groups to raise much needed funds. The amount for each cap is reasonable and all people need to do is to collect the caps from products they already use. Paul’s would probably also like you to switch the product you buy and if you do and it doesn’t cost you any more then why not participate.

If you would like to collect caps but don’t for example have children in one of the participating schools then you can probably donate your caps to one of the local groups. That way your caps end up helping others.

The following are community groups that are currently registered in the area to participate.

Marcellin College – Bulleen
Gum Nut Gully Pre-School - Doncaster East
Ss Peter & Paul's Primary - Doncaster East
Beverley Hills Primary School - Doncaster East
Templestowe Heights Primary - Templestowe Lower
Templestowe Valley Primary - Templestowe Lower
Eltham North Primary - Eltham North
Glen Katherine Primary School - Eltham North
Monty's Licensed Supermarket – Montmorency

This list may grow in time as others participate so you may wish to check the Paul’s site for other groups in your area.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you need help with your computer.

Goodfellas Pizza in Bulleen takes over from Rustico Pizza Bulleen

I dropped into Goodfellas Pizza in Bulleen just to double check Rustico Pizza didn’t just changes its trading name as Rustico Pizza appear to have gone. Ralph and his team from Rustico Pizza have now left and Goodfellas Pizza are the new owners. For those looking for the telephone number it is still the same as Rustico Pizza.

Good luck to Arthur and his team at Goodfellas Pizza.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you’re having computer problems.

Filomena Salvatore of Bulleen recently bought solar panels through a council supported bulk-buying scheme

Filomena Salvatore recently used the scheme to buy roof panels for her Bulleen home. “The council provided the panels; all that was straightforward,” she said.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Easy low cost photo books

I recently produced a photo book of our holiday and couldn’t help feel that others may be interested in creating their own photo book.

The problem I’ve found in the past is the time involved in creating a photo book can be days, and if you have a lot of photos, you have to cut the number of photos back otherwise the photo book could easily cost $200.

I’ve now created an approach which enables me to automate creating a photo book from a large number (small number as well) so I can create the majority of the photo book in a few minutes and then dress the photo book up with the final touches. I produced a photo book containing 410 photos on 134 pages in under an hour for around the cost of a standard 20 page book.

If there is interest and I can find a way to make my program available to others I’d be happy to consider the options.

For example:

Would you be interested in attending a short course which would enable you to learn the software (it is very easy) and ask some questions?

Would you prefer a do-it-yourself approach with printed or web based instructions?

If you are interested let me know and if there is enough interest I’ll put something together.

For me the ability to put together quickly and at relatively low cost some photo books opens up some great possibilities.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for support if you have a computer related problem.  

Are you paranoid that your computer might be infected with malware?

If you’re paranoid that your computer might be infected with malware you probably have good cause. The problem is there are so many businesses out there, both legitimate and not legitimate, who try to change your computer without you quite realising what they’re doing or why.

It could be as simple as installing Acrobat Reader where you end up with the Google Toolbar installed. Acrobat most likely makes money by bundling Google’s Toolbar, Google gets to monitor the sites you visit which helps them make money from advertising and you’re computer just gets another piece of software installed it doesn’t need. That’s a legitimate business tactic although one I wish they didn’t use.

Next you have the site which changes your default search engine as I’ve seen with Firefox users. The search engine looks like Google but it isn’t. The site creates a front end to Google’s search engine so it makes money if you click on ads. You’ve been tricked and you’re browser has been hijacked. Because Firefox makes most of its income from Google, unlike Internet Explorer, where it is easy to change the default search engine, the average user will have difficulty removing this search engine and my logs show quite a few people reaching my site have been infected or tricked. You might just be starting to think the world is conspiring against you.

Then you have the malware writers. It can be as simple as visiting an infected site and your computer is infected. One person I know had their mortgage offset account cleared out of thirteen thousand dollars.

If you have shared computers and your children frequently search the internet (who doesn’t) then you run the risk of your computer being infected and often you won’t know it has occurred. The problem is if you then do things which require a username, password or pin number, that information could be recorded and sent to others without you knowing. To be quite frank, I advise all my family not to use any computer other than mine to do internet banking because I can’t be sure their computers haven’t been infected. I know they have in the past.

As a result of talking with a concerned client, I decided to investigate and see if there was a way to boot a computer from a CD and provide the user with a secure environment. As it turned out I was able to locate software used by American soldiers whilst overseas and can now make that software available to clients at a relatively low cost. The only tricky aspect is getting your computer to boot from the CD when a CD is present. This is a standard feature of most computers but isn’t generally known by the average users. Unfortunately changing the setting can vary from machine to machine, but once set up it works like a dream.

I can see a number of possible uses.

1. You want to do your internet banking and want to make sure you start your computer and know that even if it is infected, you’re session is secure. That’s exactly what the software can do. It doesn’t require anything from your hard disk and doesn’t update your computer. Every time you start the computer using the CD everything is clean.

2. Your children have infected your computer as a result of surfing the internet and that cost you a bucket of money to fix and you’d prefer not to go through that again. When your children want to surf the internet get them to boot their computer using the CD and they can surf the internet to their heart’s desire and even if they do comes across malware, only the current session is affected and once the computer is restarted the malware will be gone.

3. You own a business and don’t mind letting your staff surf the net or do their online banking during breaks but are concerned they could infect your computers, or worse, an infected computer clears out their bank account leaving you potentially liable. I’ve read this cost one business around $10,000 in legal fees. Give staff and CD and let them boot the computer. Your computer is safe and so are they.

4. You want to use a friend or relation’s computer whilst travelling to do internet banking. Yes. I’ve been there. The ANZ screwed up my automatic payments when I went overseas so I was forced to use a computer I didn’t know to make payments and it was really stressful. The secure boot CD would have given me peace of mind.

5. How many times have I had to fix a business computer after a staff member has worked on the weekend and brought in their child and the computer was used to occupy them. Yes. Very costly. Boot the computer with a secure boot disk and the computer can again be used to occupy children without concern or pressure they could do something wrong.

There are many uses for a secure boot disk. Clients are welcome to contact me if you’d like a secure boot disk. There is a small charge for the disk ($9.95 plus postage if required) but if you need support to set up your computer so it can boot from the CD, there would also be a small charge for the time involved.

For me this is a great opportunity for clients to minimise the risk associated with the internet. Nearly all malware infections now come from the internet. If you use a secure boot disk when accessing the internet the chances of infecting your computer are greatly reduced.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

   

Janet Parsons - The Five Senses of Love

AUTHOR Janet Parsons poses with her children’s book, The Five Senses of Love, ahead of her storytime reading at Bulleen Library on Friday, August 23 from 11am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

The Temptations Featuring Nate Evans

This show is a musical extravaganza filled with songs from the Library of one of the greatest Motown acts of all time.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

The Bulleen Community Festival

The Bulleen Community Festival ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with computer problems

Helen Sadler and her mother, Mary Sadler, are helping historian Robin Drooglever

TEMPLESTOWE’S Helen Sadler and her centenarian mother Mary Sadler are helping Bulleen historian Robin Drooglever to write a book about Australia’s involvement in the Boer War.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Critical alert: Telephone call from scammer purporting to be from Service of Windows Operations James Stevenson. Issue: Illegal copy of Windows.

Only moments ago I received a call from a person called James Steveson who said they were from Service of Windows Operations a section of Microsoft. He informed me  they had detected an illegal copy of Windows on my computers. He wanted me to go on my computer. My computers are legitimately licensed so I knew immediately the caller was a scammer.

I asked for his telephone number so I could call him back. He provided an address of 75 Ressdale Street but I was not able to obtain any further information and I’d be certain this information isn’t legitimate. By asking for the a number to call them back on this would provide an ability to trace the caller. The caller knows this so hung up.

I reported the information to Optus (my telephone service provider) but it requires three calls for them to take action. There does not appear to be anything in place to protect consumers so each consumer has to effectively look after their own interests.

In this case the caller appeared to be using the telephone directory information to contact me.

Should you receive any unsolicited call from overseas letting you know you have a problem on your computer it is almost certainly a scammer.

Please take care.

 

Kelvin Eldridge

www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Local businesses need to start thinking of their customers as potential suppliers

When people ask me about JustLocal and what I’m doing, I have a couple of examples I share to highlight the issues I’ve found and if people start to think about them I’d like to change the situation a little.

I ask people do you refer others to businesses you’ve used and the answer is more often yes.

I then ask these questions.

Do you shop at the local businesses?

The answer is always yes.

Do they know you at the local businesses?

The answer is often yes.

Has a local business asked what you do?

The answer is always no.

Has a local business given you any business?

The answer is always no.

Why do I ask these questions. The reasons is simple. This is the same experience I’ve had. I regularly refer people to businesses I’ve used. I use the businesses regularly and say hello to the business owners. They never ask what I do and it has been 15 years since a local business that I purchase products and services from has given me any business.

Local businesses I have no doubt add valuable services and facilities to the community. But if the only purpose of a local business is to profit from the locals and then spend their profits elsewhere, what they are really doing long term is damaging the local community and not making it stronger. As people realise local businesses by their actions are only there to profit off the local community, the loyalty of locals will, if it hasn’t already, disappear, and people will see the best action for themselves is to look after themselves. Why not, everyone else appears to be.

To me this is a sad outcome. As a business I look at my customers as my potential suppliers. If I can pass on work or referrals to my customers and I believe it is appropriate and ethical to do so, then I’m happy to help those who help me.

To all local businesses I ask you to start asking your customers what they do and if they can provide a product or service you need then take a chance. Get a local to provide the product or service and if that local is one of your customers even better. You’ll not only help strengthen the local community but you’ll also build loyalty.

Kelvin Eldridge

http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Doncaster Shoppingtown area computer repairs

If you live near Doncaster Shoppingtown and you are after someone to help you with your computer or computer related problem, then consider calling Online Connections. Online Connections is local (based in Templestowe) so you get friendly local service and best of all, there’s no call out fee.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

JustLocal search engines now cover surrounding postcodes

In order to make the JustLocal search engines for the postcodes covering Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Warrandyte, Eltham, Lower Plenty and Montmorency of great use to locals, the search engine for the postcode now includes businesses in the adjoining postcode areas.

What this means is those in Templestowe can now search from over 900 businesses making it easier to find products and services in Templestowe or the surrounding area.

It was felt the number of businesses we have been able to identify as having web sites in the area would not provide enough variety in the results returned for the search to be really useful. In addition we were asking people in an area to search up to seven different search engines and logically that will simply not happen.

Let us know how you go with the new approach.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Manningham parking fines double

Mr Molan said the main area where people were fined was around Manningham’s 45 primary and secondary schools at drop off and pick up times. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Manningham's property price drop

Real Estate Institute of Victoria annual figures show a downward trend in all of Manningham’s suburbs that recorded enough sales to provide accurate data.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Yarra trail rides high on Cadel Evans win

The bridge will be built to service the Capital City bike trail and the Yarra bike trail, which runs for about 35 kilometres from the city along the river to Templestowe and is used by thousands of Melburnians each day.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Median house price trends upwards but still in a hole

Others like Bulleen, Lower Templestowe and Doncaster recorded smaller declines, between 1 and 3 per cent.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Will see Bulleen Preschool, Lower Templestowe Preschool and Twin Hills Preschool merged

The fourth - which will see Bulleen Preschool, Lower Templestowe Preschool and Twin Hills Preschool merged - is yet to find a site. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Chef Shannon Bennett has crafted a mysterious menu to complement artist Callum Morton's retrospective at Heide.

Cafe Vue chef Shannon Bennett has crafted a menu of gastronomic artistry to match a retrospective of deceptive architectural installations by artist Callum Morton. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Templestowe's Birrarung Park in Templestowe Lower

This article was about Templestowe’s Birrarung Park. The park is actually located in Tempelstowe Lower and is located on the border of Bulleen. Visiting the park during the drought was very disappointing. I took the children there to see all the birds and really it was little more than mud with not much life. When the water is present it really is a magical place. I hope the check the park out again in the near future.

Graham and Berilie Kane enjoy the revitalised beauty of Templestowe's Birrarung Park.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Is your neighbour's solar panels pushing your electricity bill up?

I read this article which is from the UK and couldn’t help feeling the situation in Australia is much the same.

Who's paying for your neighbour's solar panels? You are... Read More

I attended the local Manningham council bulk solar panel offer and one of the questions I wanted to ask was, “who is paying for the solar panels?” The answer I received was, “we all are”.

For me that creates the situation where those with enough money to install the solar panels puts the $5,000 subsidy onto everyone else. That doesn’t quite seem fair to me.

 

However there is a gotcha in there for everyone. Those who install solar panels are putting their own prices up as well. Yes they are saving some money, but not as much as they are lead to think they will, the increased prices from using time-of-day charging will put their electricity costs up, plus the future increases as a result of their subsidy will eat into their own savings as well.

Personally I think it would have been much better if the government had installed solar panels as larger projects where there would be economy of scale and the savings of doing larger projects would have meant a subsidy may not have been required. For example schools have very large unused roof space. Buying in bulk at government scale and negotiating on the labour for a larger scale job should have been able to achieve the same result for much less than many individual smaller jobs.

The bottom line is now we will all suffer increasing prices for years to come. For me the idea of taking other people’s money like this just doesn’t seem right. I’m not against solar energy, in fact I’m all for it. But it should be done as cost effectively as possible.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Bulleen Boomers under-12s train under Michelle Timms

The three stars, Liz Cambage, Rachel Jarry and Jenna O'Hea, were part of the Bulleen Boomers team that beat fierce rivals the Canberra Capitals in this year's national WNBL grand final.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Labor's plan to install Set Top Boxes for an average of $330 is crazy.

Today I decided to test how long it would take me to install and configure a HD Set Top Box. I decided to purchase a brand new unit so I had no knowledge of the product in advance. I am assuming that those who get the $330 (an average I’ve read) will know the equipment and be very experienced in setting up the Set Top Box, so should take less time than I did.

I checked the Doncaster East store for Target and Dick Smith. They didn’t have the model I wanted so I went to Dick Smith Shoppingtown. I decided to go with the Dick Smith HD Set Top Box GHP5926 which was on special for $10 off at $59.98. I liked this unit over cheaper units as it also has the ability to record to a USB drive (memory stick). Although that was outside of the scope as the main purpose of the government subsidy I think would be to continue enabling pensioners to receive free-to-air TV. This is fair as it isn’t the pensioners’ fault the government is closing down the analogue service and in all likelihood, the government is making money in some form by moving to digital and so it is fair to reimburse the needy.

The average cost for a basic and quite reasonable HD Set Top Boxes was around $59-$79 so they aren’t that expensive. Spending more may not be a good idea because if you do, you really need to consider your requirements better.

I arrived home, unpacked the Set Top Box and had it set up and tuned into the stations in 13 minutes. To be fair I was removing an older SD Set Top Box PVR so the configuration was similar. But given I’d never seen or used one of these units, there was a slight learning curve for me, I suspect this will balance things out with the experience installer.

For the government to spend an average of $330 per site is not justified. Why can’t the government just provide a voucher for a reasonably price Set Top Box that people could then use to purchase a unit. Most people will have a family member who can set it up. If they don’t, then give these people additional assistance.

The problem is the technician who is installing the Set Top Box will probably make very little and the large company who gets the contract will  make a killing at our expense.

I recently had to install a Set Top Box for a home user which took about an hour. The problem is Optus had come along and removed their service and left the client with all their equipment, DVD/VCR/Set Top Box not working and a pile of cables in a total mess. But in the situation where a Set Top Box would normally be installed it should be relatively easy.

There are two issues which could complicate the situation. The reception may be weak and in that situation additional technical help will be required. I expect those situations to be the exception rather than the norm. The other is that you should also provide some basic training.

The problem with the Set Top Box approach is it makes it more complicated for people. I’ve seen a number of elderly people struggle with the multiple controllers. A better option for most people would be to put the money towards a new digital ready TV and keep things simple. Old analogue TVs were seldom bigger than 26” and a suitable replacement would be a 32” LCD. The money for a lot of people would be better spent on a new TV and not a complicated Set Top Box set up. I’m sure many people would love the option of using a voucher for the Set Top Box towards part payment of a new digital ready TV.

If anyone in the Templestowe and surrounding postcode area requires their Set Top Box to be set up please contact me. Being local there is no call out fee. Just the time it takes to install the Set Top Box and if you want some basic instruction the time involved shouldn’t cost too much.

This is an opportunity where the government could have provided some better options in my opinion. By allowing people the option to purchase what they need, those people are more likely to use the services of local people and instead of the money going to big business, it could have helped a lot of smaller businesses across Australia. Even Dick Smith and other retailers I’m sure will offer an installation service if required at a much better rate.

 

I just hope the elderly amongst us don’t end up being greedy rather than needy. Yes if the government is giving something back it is hard to say no since it doesn’t happen that often, but is it right. The cost of all those low energy light bulbs was $10 per bulb for something that could have been done for a dollar or two and now we are all paying with higher electricity charges. What looks like a bargain may in fact cost you or your children more down the track.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au  

Former and current Bulleen Preschool students Amy Rigoni-Smith with daughter Emelia, 4, and Debra Italia with son Miguel, 5

BULLEEN Preschool is pulling out all stops to celebrate its 50th anniversary.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Small businesses closing down. Don't be next.

I thought I’d share the following article which appeared on the News site. Whilst it is expected the a certain number of small businesses will close up each year, equally new business start up. In this article there is no mention of new businesses starting up, so if we factor new businesses in, to lose over 10,000 small business a year incredible, but what’s even more incredible is it understates the real number of businesses closing down.

SMALL shops are still badly wounded from the global financial crisis, with exclusive analysis for news.com.au showing that more than 30,000 of the most vulnerable small businesses disappeared between the 2007 and 2010 elections. ... Read More

 

If you read many of the comments on the article by people you would get the idea it is all the government’s fault. Yes there is too much red tape, yes we are over governed, yes people prefer to buy at large department stores, but ultimately we are businesses and we have to work out how to survive. No one asked us to start a business. It was our choice. Should we really be putting our hand out to government. I don’t think so. If we do the government simply needs to take the money off us in the first place and by the time it comes back to u,s it is a fraction of what they’ve collected.

To me one of the biggest problems for small business is being seen by people in their area and for locals to support the businesses. But equally how many small business give preference to locals to supply them with products and services. Certainly none of the local businesses in my area ever ask me what I do, or give me business. With that approach how can they expect any loyalty from locals. Most businesses simply take from their customers in the form of profits and rarely see their customers as potential suppliers. Personally I look at my customers as the first people I call if I want a service. I look for ways to refer business to my customers if I can. If more small businesses stopped just taking from the local community and actively looked for ways to spend their expense dollars locally I believe they’d make a huge difference.

As small businesses we only have ourselves to blame. Look for ways to help other locals with your purchasing power and you’ll get more loyalty from locals. If you don’t, your business may be the next business they’ll be looking to online stores to provide your product or service. Loyalty is a two way street. You can make it happen but not if you only take and don’t give back.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Motorists experienced major delays on the Eastern Free

Motorcyclist crashes under car on Eastern Freeway A man has walked away unscathed after crashing his motorcycle in a seven vehicle pile-up on the Eastern Freeway... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Alex Selenitsch: Art of words

The exhibition features works by more than 20 artists including sculpture, printmaking and typed text. At Heide Museum of Modern Art, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen from 2pm on May 22. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

traffic lights at Bulleen Rd and Golden Way, Bulleen

Mr Kotsiras said $600,000 would go towards traffic lights at the intersecion of Fitsimons Lane and Porter St, Templestowe, $400,000 to traffic lights at Bulleen Rd and Golden Way, Bulleen, and $150,000 to a safety refuge in Templestowe Rd.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

A Templestowe mansion was chosen as the home for Gary Sweet's character

Gary Sweet and Steve Le Marquand star in the new crime drama/comedy Small Time Gangsters, which was partly shot in Bulleen and Templestowe.... Read More

For those interested, whilst doing a letter drop for the last state election in November 2010 I observed the shoot in progress in Dumossa Avenue, which is near Bulleen Plaza.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Repco Catalogue: Easter Getaway Specials

Repco Catalogue Starts 7 April – Ends 26 April 2011

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
www.JustLocal.com.au

No timeline yet on Manningham politicians' promises

Bulleen MP Nick Kotsiras said he was hopeful that more straightforward projects like the $1 million installation of traffic lights at Fitzsimons Lane and Porter St in Templestowe and Golden Way and Bulleen Rd in Bulleen would be completed within the next financial year. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Manningham residents to be hit by rising energy costs

A St Vincent de Paul Society study reveals the average household in suburbs, including Templestowe, Doncaster and Bulleen, are paying about $205 a year more for electricity and gas bills than they were six months ago.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Templestowe Rd not on VicRoads' priority list

A $22 million upgrade of Templestowe Rd remains top of Manningham Council’s road safety wish list, despite VicRoads showing a red light to traffic signal plans.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Oovie machine dead a Safeway Templestowe Lower

I mentioned the other day the local Oovie machine for renting DVDs and dropped into the Safeway at Templestowe Lower on Saturday to pick up a DVD only to find that machine with a black screen. One of the disadvantages of kiosk delivery of services is they fail and technology often fails then there is no service. Over the years I’ve not had a video store not be available to rent a DVD. The distance to the next closest Oovie machine was probably 10-15km of extra travel. When you take into account the inconvenience and the travel cost this needs to be taken into account.
If you collect a movie whilst shopping and the Oovie machine is down you’ve only missed out on a movie. But if you make a special trip to an Oovie machine to find it not working, then that’s a considerable waste of time and quite inconvenient.
The other issue I had on the following day was I picked the movie “The Girl Who Player With Fire” and it wasn’t apparent to me the movie was not in English and had subtitles. I’ll be more careful next time reading of the description the genre. Again I’ve not had this experience previously from a video store so I feel sharing this mistake on my part may help others avoid the same mistake.
This time I also decided to take advantage of the rent one get one free voucher if you rent another movie within three days from the same kiosk. This worked well.
One more comment is I’m wondering about the range offered via the Oovie machine. I have a feeling there isn’t as much choice as would be available at a store but only time will tell if that is an issue.
I also decided to check if the web based service provided any indication as to whether or not the Oovie machine was available for reservations. The machine was dead on Saturday and it is now Monday. I expect it will take a while for them to fix the machine. The online service reports the machine is not available for online reservations which is a good clue the machine is not working. I’ll check via the web first next time and save some time. This is a good feature however it does indicate a dead machine may be out of action for a while which isn’t good service.
Overall the lower cost of the DVDs and with a little pre-planning in terms of shopping so no or perhaps only one extra trip is required still makes the Oovie option a good option.

Kelvin Eldridge

www.JustLocal.com.au