ANOTHER CLEVER CLIENT (DECEMBER 2019)

Wilimee comes from the Wurundjeri name Wilimee Mooring which means place of Stone axe which is appropriate given the vineyard (previously named Portree) is next to an ancient quarry at Mount William where greenstone blanks (stones) were traded for making axe heads. At an elevation of 600m on a 12 acre vineyard dating back to 1982, their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines are some of the oldest vines in the Macedon Ranges.

Owners Ben Ranken and Sally Richardson both come from rural backgrounds and their market is private clients and restaurants with produce found at Lakehouse Daylesford, Midnight Starling Kyneton, Cutler & Co in Melbourne and in Sydney Quay and Rockpool to name a few. Vintages in both France and the USA together with Ben’s 20+ year experience has been acknowledged by being offered a position as a Judge at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.

Earlier this year Ben was named in the top 10 Young Guns of Wine in 2019 and in the International Pinot Conference in 2015. Each year their wines sell out prior to the new release in September and together with wife Sally are leading the way towards biodynamics. A recent acquisition of an under vine cultivator controls weeds (as opposed to the common use of roundup). Retaining soil moisture through the use of a mulcher helps organic matter to add fertility. The vineyard is open annually for the Budburst Festival in November and had the wonderful Harper and Blohm Cheese stall with their Raclette and gourmet cheese toasties. They are also happy to open by Appointment and wine can be purchased online and at various retailers. What a great idea for Christmas!

ANOTHER CLEVER CLIENT (JUNE 2019)

Lee Macdonald commenced life as a welder after school in 1995. When he realized it wasn’t for him long term, he joined the family business Macdonalds Nursery in Spring Gully, outside Bendigo completing a nurserymen’s apprenticeship in 2012.

Originally named H. Keck & Sons started by his great, great grandfather in 1888 (but renamed Macdonalds Nursery in 1991) Lee is the 5th generation of the same family to own and operate the business. Taking over from his parents in October 2017, along with a team of six, Lee has a strong relationship with suppliers and customers alike. Priding themselves on the level of service and knowledge they provide is justified with prior recognition by the Nursery & Garden Industry body of Victoria as one of the best small & medium retail nurseries in the state.

Another Clever Client (May 2013)

Back in our May 2013 Newsletter, we featured David’s client James Freemantle who had established REDgum Communications in 2008 after returning from a stint as a television newsreader in Moscow. Previously a popular presenter on Postcards, Talk to the Animals and Coxy's Big Break, his firm focused on three core elements of interpersonal communication: personal brand, public speaking and media. With this background, it’s not surprising that his firm used video to help people observe and improve their communications. The business grew quickly from referrals and repeat business with a broad range of clients including high-profile individuals in the AFL, Agricultural industry bodies, NGOs and NAB. REDgum continues to create and run 90 minute to 2-day workshops for leadership programs, business teams, and provides one-on-one coaching. If you are looking to clarify and improve the way people perceive you, contact James to discuss your goals. His approachable manner will help you to focus your ideas and make the most out of your career.

Postscript Late in 2018, David Gibney assisted James Freemantle facilitate a successful merger deal between REDgum Communications and People Measures.

Another Clever Client (Sept 2011)

Bendigo driver & navigator team headed by Greg Scanlon of ARB Bendigo has won the Tigerz CliffHanger, considered to be Australia’s toughest 4WD event. The Kangaroo Flat business owner and his service manager and regular navigator Liam Nunns were victorious in the 7 day event; topping 23 teams at Tambua Station, near Cobar.

With 14 hour driving days in a highly modified Nissan Patrol, the pair cemented their status as The Best Navigational Winch Challenge Team in the country after winning an earlier Outback Challenge. Greg’s weekend passion finds them travelling all over Australia to compete. If you have a thirst for adventure and are interested in setting your vehicle up for some off road travels around this beautiful country of ours, approach Greg and his team directly for high level advice and expertise on 5445 7100.

Another Clever Client (June 2018)

The Good / Hands is a brand, technology, marketing and business consultancy founded by Rohit Thomas and Lee Sandwith. Their philosophy is simple - help their partners solve real-world problems, transform them by using creativity and design-thinking, and to realise amazing ideas. It doesn’t matter if you are big or small, a start-up or established, local or abroad, micro or multinational - Good / Hands is an incubation hub and partner for your ideas.

Based at 7 High Street, Kyneton, Good / Hands offers brand, marketing, digital and technology, consulting and cultural innovation. Good / Hands is a place and partner for amazing ideas. thegoodhands.com.au

Another Clever Client (May 2015)

Farmer, businessman and father Andrew Gray has been merging his love of the land together with his trade building large commercial and industrial sheds with a size range from 600 m2 to 5 acres. He often oversees sites beyond Mildura and as far as Singleton, William Creek, Sydney, Newcastle and throughout New South Wales.

Since 2005 he has been a client of this firm and we have guided him throughout the expansion of his business to developing an external enterprise building large commercial and industrial sized sheds offering protection for sale yards, private indoor equine facilities and factories (including the local Kyneton Biscuit Factory on Saleyards Road).

The largest shed he has built is 5.5 acres for the Lamattina Carrot Processing Plant in Robinvale but he has also built the Colac Saleyards 8,000 m2 and Riordan Grain Sheds at East Balliang 3-4,000 m2.

His next project is Stage 1 (of 5) for the new Hamilton Sale yards which will cover 8,000 m2.

If you need large commercial premises and are looking for someone with 20 plus years experience, Andrew is the person to talk to. His contact details are Mobile 0407 560 725