This weekly Briefing will keep you updated on the latest issues during this unique situation. We include any updates on government support for you and the businesses you work in. We’re also throwing in our favourite meme of the week!
Note from the editor
On Tuesday night the Government announced new social distancing measures, effectively stopping events and bringing us one step away from a full lockdown.
Luckily, Australia has taken lessons from our neighbours and implemented social distancing measures earlier—which means we all will get back to work sooner.
If you’re wondering how long this might take, this Washington Post article is the best source I’ve seen so far. Scroll down to the fourth ‘graph’ (the last one) which shows how much better things will get when over 80 percent of us stay home. Well worth the read.
Working from home and the kids driving you barmy?
Of course, being a responsible media outlet we would never recommend this course of action, but this mum from the Netherlands might be on to something. All you need is a roll of gaffa tape and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
If you’ve got a funny meme you’d like to share, email me: editor@executivepa.com, but keep it clean—some of us are still in the office ;).
Credit: TrendNieuws (Facebook)
Are you a VA, EA or Office Manager in a small business? Here are some direct links to govt support
- Tax relief, provided on a case-by-case basis by the ATO, call the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218.
- In the long-term, you can get money back from investments with the increased instant asset write-off & accelerated depreciation deduction measures.
- If you work for a business with less than $50m turnover that employs staff, the government is prepared to pay back all of your PAYG withholding (salary and wage tax payments) from January 2020, up to $100,000. Check with your bookkeeper or accountant to confirm when these payments will be made, and how much you’re eligible for.
- Visit business.gov.au for a full breakdown on federal support.
State & Territory relief funds and support information:
- Queensland Government
- NSW Government
- Victorian Government
- South Australian Government
- Western Australian Government
- Northern Territory Government
- Tasmanian Government
- ACT Government
These relief packages are being updated as we go along, and we will provide updates in future Briefings.
Read: Seven ways to work remotely and stay productive
Innovation and skill development expert, Petris Lapis, shares her seven tips on how to keep the ball rolling when working from home.
There’s an increasing number of us who will be working remotely at least some of the time as the COVID-19 situation plays out. Although working remotely comes with some unique challenges, there are some things we can do to stay productive.
Watch: Lessons from an EA to the President (38 mins)
Executive PA Media’s Chairman, Russell Peacock sits down with Peggy Grande, who served as EA to Ronald Reagan.
This full-length conversation dives into a range of topics, from dealing with secret service, being a ‘gateway’ to the president, dealing with Reagan’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis right through to how Peggy has forged her own path as a political commentator and leader.
Be Challenged offers free remote team building
The team at Be Challenged is bringing teams closer together (not physically), with their remote team building offering.
Be Challenged has tailored digital program solutions and a Go Remote App. They are also offering free services:
“We also understand that cash flow is tight, so we are offering a range of FREE remote team building programs, tools and resources as well as a FREE coaching session for businesses who need help or advice. Contact us to learn more.”
A class act: free coffee for healthcare workers
In a class act, the team at Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites have committed to giving free coffee to healthcare workers at any of their properties with food and beverage facilities.
Oaks are also providing a ‘home away from home’ for those that need to self-isolate, with a discount of up to 25 percent off stays. Most of their properties have self-contained apartments, where isolating guests can get groceries, food and drinks to their door, and make use of free internet and parking. They are also offering up their event spaces as remote working stations for staff who can’t make it to the office.
Saxton Speakers Bureau outlines their ‘path forward’
Saxton Speakers Bureau has sent out a notice with some immediate solutions for event planners that have been forced to cancel or postpone.
Their notice detailed how their speakers are well-versed in virtual conferencing and webinars, “and can create a dynamic and inspiring experience online.”
Plus, the bureau is also offering virtual strategy sessions with key thinkers and updating their podcast ‘Let’s Talk.’
Self-isolate in paradise at these retreats
Got some budget and looking for a novel way to self-isolate? Check out these two:
Spicers Retreats is offering two-week packages for those looking for a tranquil spot to lie low for a while, whether it’s in town or out bush. The team is taking Health Department recommendations on board, offering in-room dining and takeaway meals.
Sydney’s historical Quarantine Station, Q Station (pictured), has been ‘in quarantine since 1848’ and is offering 14-day packages for self-isolator’s wanting to add a bit of history to their experience.
Amora Riverwalk Hotel Melbourne unveils ground floor transformation
The ground floor of the Amora Riverwalk Hotel in Richmond has had a $5m ‘glamorous makeover’ with a new reception, lobby, hotel bar, courtyard/courtyard bar, as well as exterior canopies, signage and lighting on Bridge Road.
The refurbishment also included the complete retransformation of the former marquee area into an Events Pavilion featuring a ‘green roof’, with a capacity for up to 350 people.
Get in touch: kinnearm@amora.melbourne or 03 9246 1201
At home & hungry? Check out these gourmet outfits bringing treats to you
Pomelo + Online are bringing 5-star, chef-made meals, gourmet grocery bundles and a selection of signature drinks to your door. Take a look at their website for a mouth-watering scroll session.
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group are keeping you well-fed, with Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer now offering take-away and delivery—plus pickup orders get a 10% discount.
In Brisbane, Nostimo is promising to feed your family with their famous greek cuisine from their takeaway menu, with delivery coming soon.
New dates for the Executive PA Summits
We’ve rescheduled the dates for the Executive PA Summits for the remainder of the year. Lock these into your calendar:
- Brisbane: 8 September 2020
- Melbourne: 15 September 2020
- Auckland: 16 February 2021
These events are small (<100 pax), targeted and safe. Click here to learn more and apply.
