Join Michael Clifford and Marcus Richards - alongside occasional leading guests - for insightful, engaging conversations about the world of local government. Each month, they delve into the key issues shaping the sector, explore its unique quirks and challenges, and share expert perspectives on how it all works behind the scenes. Whether you’re a seasoned local government politician or officer, or simply curious about how local government ticks, this podcast offers a fresh, informed, and occ ...
…
continue reading
Fantastic stories and insights from business leaders
…
continue reading
Samantha has had a wide and varied career developing her skills and expertise across a wide range of industries. This has now led to working in the fabric industry developing some exciting and new products.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
David Buchanan - CEO Australian Steel Assoc / Advanced Fibre Cluster
27:54
27:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:54David started his schooling learning about metal working and this led to a career in steel manufacturing, selling and importing. He now heads the Australian Steel Association and also the Advanced fibre Cluster working to improve the opportunities for members and to grow their businesses,By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Episode 2: Banners, Boroughs and Business Rates: Power, Politics and Property from the Tudors to Today
37:21
37:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:21In this episode of The Star Chamber Podcast, we unpack the fallout from the recent local elections before tackling the potential moral hazard of central government interventions in local authority debt. We then head north to UKREiiF to explore placemaking, investment, and how these themes tie into the evolving role of Combined Authorities - includi…
…
continue reading
Aaron has taken his love of golf through playing professionally, running a golf course to now operating his own golfing coaching and analysis business. https://www.geelonggolfstudio.com.au/coaching A different business story.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Shaun has had an interesting life journey from South Africa to Queensland and now Geelong. He has a passion for looking after and providing the water we need for our daily lives in an increasingly tough environment. A great conversation.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
James is a serial entrepreneur and he discusses his journey from political lobbyist to running and developing businesses from scratch. He has learnt a lot along the way and this frank and open chat shows you how he continues to learn and grow.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Claire loves risk and has spent most of her career helping businesses identify risk and how to use that risk analysis to make better business decisions.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Episode 1: The Medieval Origins of The Star Chamber, Exceptional Financial Support and The History of Local Government Reorganisation in London
29:55
29:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:55Join Michael Clifford and Marcus Richards for a series of discussions on the world of local government! In their first episode, they talk about the medieval origins of the term Star Chamber, how Liverpool in the 1980s shaped the concept of Exceptional Financial Support and what mountaineers have to do with Local Government Reorganisation.…
…
continue reading
Robert Bruce has had an international career in building and creating better businesses and improving processes through the LEAN way. A great story about how the right advice and skills can create better businesses.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Amanda wanted to be a journalist and then ended up working in the fabric and rag trade. A chat with her brother in law led to the establishment of her business selling cut flowers Smellies https://smellies.com.au/ - 30 years ago and still trading strongly.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
A group met to chat about the recent global issues especially the Trump tariffs. What should we do and what might change in Australia.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Harvey has had a long career as a CEO across a wide range of company's. One of his earliest roles was with Jarvis Walker - the well known and loved fishing gear company. His journey as a CEO has now led to him being a coach with https://www.vistage.com.au/ an organisation that runs peer advisory groups to help CEO's grow and learn.…
…
continue reading
Tony had a great career spanning 19 years in education at Christian College in Geelong. Deciding he needed a change, a chat and a phone call led to a job offer and now he is CEO at Scaada https://scaada.com.au/ Tony loves his change as the company has the same values and ethics he follows in his life. A great story.…
…
continue reading
Sarah and Cass love design and making a difference in the world. A meeting at The Gordon TAFE while both were studying eventually led to them teaming up to create their business Storyfolk. A business founded on great values and one that keeps winning awards.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Craig started his career in banking and then moved into telecommunications. A change in the Telstra business model led Craig to start his own ICT company supporting medium to large businesses called Kenstra. Craig is also the Chair for the Committee for Wyndham supporting businesses across western Melbourne.…
…
continue reading
Stretch Kontelj has had a fascinating career in law and business. Combined with a passion for community and politics. Stretch is now the Mayor of the City of Geelong.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Lauren is the CEO of Pets Country Club a family business that has been operating in Lara, outside Geelong for over 30 years. Lauren has had a career in sporting events but has come back to run the family business. A great story.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Marie-Claire (MC to friends) had a passion and still does for acting. The Q Train evolved from a family plan to create a dining experience. The business has grown over the years to win awards for tourism and recently the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for Inclusivity and Accessibility.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Our last pod cast for 2024 - a look back at all the amazing businesses and people we met.
17:06
17:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:06Bill and Mark chat about all the people they have met and some of the key take outs that they have gleaned from some amazing people.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Donna started her career in fashion and worked for some major clothing companies and developed and sold her own label of kids clothes. Spotting a beautiful old warehouse Donna and her partner Beav decided to open a restaurant. They now have three - The Arborist, Meet me at Marys, Beav's BarBy Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Michelle had a long career working in audit, mergers with one of the 'big 4'. A desire for a change led to the purchase of some acres on The Bellarine and the development of a sustainable cooking and growing demonstration business.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Shannon has had plumbing in his blood from an early age, helping with the family business while at school. Now he and his brother run the Kennedys Group with over 100 employees. A great story about a respected family business and the strength from having a good succession plan.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Shannon talks about his early childhood trauma and hurdles that in the long run has led him to developing his business helping people deal with stress and trauma. Shannon has a wonderful story to tell.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
John started his journey thinking about becoming a dentist. He then changed tack and went onto becoming a successful lawyer with a focus on the franchise industry. The family business that was started by his father then beckoned and John now heads up SafeMate Anti Slip Solutions. https://safemateantislip.com/ Another great story.…
…
continue reading
Libby started off as a hairdresser but a 'tipping point' in her life was visiting Japan and taking a pottery class that inspired her to change direction. After lots of lessons and discovery of different styles Libby has now moved to an incredible studio based at the FyansPaper Mill complex.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Shannan Gove with partners Bennett Merriman and Chris Grant took their idea to create their own staffing company (Event Workforce) to help connect motivated university students with work experience opportunities throughout Australia. As Event Workforce grew, the founders realized that they needed to ditch the spreadsheets in order to support their …
…
continue reading
Tom is not only a financial expert but also a true advocate for his clients' success. Renowned for his innovative thinking and creative problem-solving, he goes above and beyond to drive business growth and prosperity.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Preventing insolvency. Scott Andersen.Worrells
25:52
25:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:52Our latest pod cast with Scott Andersen , a director and partner at Worrells https://worrells.net.au an insolvency practice and liquidation specialist firm. The conversation discusses the growing number of insolvencies in Australia, particularly in the regions, and the impact on businesses, especially small-to-medium enterprises. Scott provides ins…
…
continue reading

1
Christine Crowder - Crowder Accounting Services
27:24
27:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:24Christine started off being an accountant in the USA and through a number of moves and changes is now running a virtual CFO service form Tasmania. A great story.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
100th Episode - Guest Host Jeremy Crawford
35:49
35:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:49Jeremy Crawford - CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce asked if he could interview us on the 100th Episode. So the tables were turned and we had to answer some great questions.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Amelia has had a journey through the corporate advertising agency world and then decided to start her own business to focus brand building. Her partner Bryan had a similar journey and their paths crossed and they now have a family together. Bryan has now joined Amelia in Made Mate.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Angus grew up on the family farm and thought his life would take him elsewhere. The changes in the direction of the farm to becoming a goat dairy and the development of being the producers of what is arguably the best goats cheese drew him back. A fantastic story of sustainability and adaption.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Steve has a long career in systems engineering but a sea change led to the purchase of an olive grove. This led to a desire to help produce quality olive oil from the many growers around Barwon South West in Victoria. He now operates Geelong Region Olives with over 20,000 olive trees producing great oil. A fantastic story.…
…
continue reading
Robert started his hospitality journey manning the chicken rotisserie at Coles while at school. He has had a fantastic journey across the globe and now runs a consulting company helping deliver hospitality businesses. He has been involved with the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Celtic Club.…
…
continue reading
Chris started life as a carpenter in the UK and had a number of roles in his journey to Australia. Geelong Access Hire starting as a side venture with 2 scissor lift platforms. This is now a full time business with over 100 scissor lifts and now has forklifts.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Pam Hutchinson - Pam Hutchinson Photography
32:04
32:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:04Pam started out as a primary teacher but the closure of the school she was at set her on the way to becoming a highly regarded photographer for weddings and commercial events.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Peter Murrihy - President Geelong Racing Club
26:14
26:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:14We interviewed Peter some 2 years ago and wanted to know more about the racing scene in Geelong and the events that make the Geelong Racing Club such a contributor to the community. Peter is also standing as a Councillor for the Geelong Council elections in November 2024.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Emilie started life in Western Australia and wanted to be a teacher. She is now using her long held passion for sustainability in working at Geelong Sustainability. Emilie also donates her time being treasurer at Cloverdale Community Centre and is looking to run for Council in the City of Greater Geelong.…
…
continue reading

1
Caleb Plumridge - Founder True South Film
25:25
25:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:25Caleb always had an interest in cameras and film. He is now living his passion creating video for businesses to help their branding and marketing. As Caleb puts it - story telling with pictures.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Michael Johnston - CEO Committee for Geelong
30:56
30:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:56Michael has a great story to tell from a start in a retail role through to working in sports administration. He is now the CEO for the Committee for Geelong.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Jeremy Crawford - CEO Geelong Chamber of Commerce
29:17
29:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:17Jeremy has had an interesting career starting in hospitality, hotel management and a role at a major health insurer. This wide and business focussed career gives him a great perspective in his current role supporting businesses across Geelong.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Cameron started his career working as a Roofer. An injury led him to focus on safety at work sites and the eventual launching of his own business. Walker Safety Services has over 250 clients across Australia that Cameron and his team help with in creating safe work places.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Franchising - suggestions on what to look for and do
22:50
22:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:50Bill and Mark chat about their experience in franchising and what to be aware of. Franchising is a huge part of business in Australia and a great way to have your own business - but you need to do your homework.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Sonia Petering - Non Executive Director, lawyer
32:05
32:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:05Sonia has had an very interesting career staring as a lawyer with a passion for giving back. This led to a first role on a NFP Board and then to a successful career on other boards including the TAC, Qantm, Vitrafy and TAL.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
Giulia has had a great career from being a journalist at the ABC, Chief of Staff for the Melbourne Lord Mayor and a role at the ACTU. Giulia is now the leader of the G21 Regional Alliance.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
David Cornish - Director of Centre for Professional Development at Marcus Oldham College
30:53
30:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:53David has always been involved in agriculture through a long and varied career. A great story and one that shows the changing face of agriculture in Australia.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Tim Clarke - Regional Manager Western Victoria - Bendigo Bank
28:30
28:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:30Tim has had a love of numbers from an early age and this led to a passion for working across a number of financial institutions. He now leads the team at Bendigo Bank working with businesses across Western Victoria.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
The Catch Up - Bill Winter and Mark Edmonds
27:01
27:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:01There has been a lot happening in the world over the last month. We chat about the impacts on business and some suggestions on what a business needs to think about now.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading

1
Alan Fitzsimons - Managing Director iEnergi
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15Alan started life in Ireland and with a desire to be a plumber leading to a constant education that sees him now running an innovative energy solutions company.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading
James has had a long career in agriculture running both chicken and duck processing businesses. He now runs his own consultancy and is working as an advisor to WrkPod - his sons business in the Philippines.By Mark and Bill
…
continue reading