26.02.2009

First overseas member - Sean Gilpin

 

Mates of Melbourne is proud to announce its first overseas member - Sean Gilpin.

Sean, from Natura Pet Foods, has signed up from the USA state of California after the good work - and harassment - of long time Demon supporter, and sponsor, Gary Diamond (Pets Paradise and Pet Goods Direct).
After visiting Gary for what he thought was business, Sean was soon hooked on the Demons - even after watching the Demons go down against the Pies last year. Sean said that ‘Gary took me to see the Demons play the Pies in the 150 Heroes celebration.  The walk to the MCG with all of that colour and support was just fantastic.’

Upon arrival back in the States, Sean quickly signed himself and his two adult children as members.  So, if you are travelling in the California area, and see a car with the famous Demon sticker on it, give Sean a wave.  He’s pretty sure it’s the only car he knows of with our sticker on it, and he displays it proudly.

While he follows the AFL replays from a distance in California, there is nothing like the real thing.  Accordingly, Sean will be making the trip over to Tasmania to watch the Demons’ first NAB cup game for 2009.  Sean says, ‘Apparently I am coming over for business, but Gary has booked a flight to Tasmania, so I’ll be happy to mix some pleasure in there too.’

Sean and Gary have teamed together to bring Natura Pet Food, which includes EVO, and Innova, to Australia.

24.02.2009

YOU WIN – THE CLUB WINS

With the 2009 AFL Season only weeks away the Melbourne Football Club and Mates of Melbourne are certainly busy on a number of fronts.

At Red Mercury we have been busy optimising the Football Clubs mobile, voice and data communications and the feedback from all has been fantastic.

We have been able to control and reduce expenditure and produce savings through more effective planning and the clubs active staff have been able to utilise mobile email as they go about their roles at the various locations and events around Melbourne.

We are also very pleased to have kicked off our sponsorship and can announce that a number of businesses have joined Red Mercury in supporting MFc.

Each business is different and we have been able to analyse and audit their expenditure and usage and then provide a cost effective and tailored solution.

Since joining Red Mercury these customers are enjoying the benefits and savings and the Club is also reaping the rewards.

Welcome to:

•        John Collett - Anglo Italian Concrete*
•        Ken Green - Victorian Pharmacy Brokers*
•        Matthew Phillips - Norm Phillips Electrical*
•        David Neitz - Outside Squared*
•        Toby Ross - TJR Enterprises
•        William Lyall - Carter Real Estate*
•        Paul Robinson - PR Partners*
•        Boris Gelberg - HTS Accountants*
•        Anthony Ingerson - Ingerson Constructions*

 * Mates of Melbourne members

We need your support to assist in the ongoing growth of the Sponsorship and the business network, that is the backbone of Mates of Melbourne. Steven Febey is personally managing all opportunities through this relationship.

Remember if you have any communication needs where you require our advice and attention please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0407 721 021 or submit your details via this form

24.12.2008

Mates of Melbourne – wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year

Since the foundation of the Mates of Melbourne group in September this year, it has continued to flourish, and is providing a valuable resource for both business and social networking with the Melbourne Football Club as the background.

There are 165 MoM members to date, and events to date have expanded to include the launch of the group at Reach, a wine tasting supported by Tyrrell’s, an exclusive National Draft Preview in conjunction with Volvo, and Christmas drinks to farewell a busy first four months of existence.

Exclusive deals have emerged in these early days, with fashion groups Little Fuchsia and Jeff Banks, as well as Tyrrell’s, foremost in their connection with Mates of Melbourne.

Many members have also reaped the benefits of doing business with other ‘Mates’, as well as many new personal and business relationships already established from our events to date.  Many more are forecast for the New Year, and the season ahead.

On that note, best wishes to all for a memorable festive season from Mates of Melbourne, and we look forward to your participation in 2009.  Stay tuned to www.matesofmelbourne.com.au for information as we plan for our 2009 Season Launch, and a variety of events throughout the year to come.

19.12.2008

RED MERCURY SPONSORSHIP: SWITCH AND THEY PUT IN MORE!

Dear All,

I am pleased to announce that Red Mercury has become the first significant sponsorship delivered through Mates of Melbourne.

By way of introduction, Red Mercury is a specialist telecommunications sales company that provides mobile, fixed line and data solutions to businesses.

The structure of this sponsorship is unique in that it allows for an open ended, direct monetary investment into the Club.  As part of the package, if you switch your telecommunications services to Red Mercury, the Melbourne Football Club will receive a flat fee of $50 per mobile, and an ongoing commission of approximately 5 % from all fixed voice and data contracts. 

So, when a typical SME business of say five people with mobiles and fixed line data services switches to Red Mercury, the Melbourne Football Club will receive approximately $250 upfront, and then around $500 per year. 

The more people who switch, the more money MoM generates for the Club.  Given that the Club is yet to sign its major sponsor, this presents a significant collective opportunity for MoM members to make a sizable contribution at a very important time for the future of the Demons. 

MoM members can also take comfort in the knowledge that the quality of Red Mercury’s service is secure. Red Mercury’s mobile plans are exclusively powered by the Vodafone Network, and their fixed telephony service is a seamless solution comprised of services from the largest and most respected carriers in Australia. 

Further, I am assured that Red Mercury can offer a comparable, if not better, rate than the one you are currently getting.

Steven Febey will be managing the relationship with the Club and Mates of Melbourne. Steven is not only a Club legend, but also a part of the Red Mercury team with five years’ experience in business telecommunications. He will be personally managing all opportunities through this relationship, and driving hard to ensure its success.

Look out for Steven over coming weeks as he makes contact to discuss your particular requirements.

Meanwhile, if you have some urgent needs that require our attention, please contact Steven at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0407 721 021.

I urge everyone to get behind this initiative as we join forces with Red Mercury to maximise the potential of Mates of Melbourne.

Further, for those who are yet to join the Mates of Melbourne business network, please go online to www.matesofmelbourne.com.au and sign up today.

Kind Regards

David Neitz

04.12.2008

Melbourne City Volvo – Mates of Melbourne Draft Preview and XC60 unveiling 

Drive and inspiration combined create the ultimate football club – and, no doubt, the ultimate vehicle.

Those gathered at Melbourne City Volvo on the evening of Thursday 27 November were privileged to hear about the making of both of these, with the presentation of the Club’s Draft Preview, and the unveiling of the new Volvo XC60 model.

After David Neitz introduced proceedings for the evening, including the new sponsorship of Mates of Melbourne by Red Mercury telecommunications, as well as offering thanks to Tyrrell’s Wines for their ongoing support, Club CEO Cameron Schwab addressed the gathering of over 100 people.  His main topics were the opportunities presented by Mates of Melbourne to provide networking and help each other, and the fact that the primary figures in the group are past players, and therefore ‘have spilt blood for the Melbourne Football Club.’  He congratulated Volvo on furthering the group’s sponsorship of the Club, and, on a finishing note, pointed out that Steven Febey was in the room – ‘the first player ever taken in a draft by Melbourne, 22 years ago.’

With that, Chris Connolly and Barry Prendergast took centre stage, with the audience intent on hearing every word.  As Connolly pointed out, ‘first pick is a $3 million investment’, and on hearing the detailed explanations from Prendergast of travelling to every state, that ‘TAC makes up 30 per cent of draftees, but Western Australia is catching up’, and the vital role played by championships and the draft camp, the effort put into the choice of future Melbourne players was eagerly appreciated. 

The evenness of the draft was discussed, complemented by vision, and the virtues of many players, particularly the eventual No. 1 draft pick – Jack Watts – were elaborated upon by Prendergast. ‘He’s a basketballer, quick, with good decision making, comfortable in the midfield, and has the ability to read the play.’  Questions from an eager audience followed, with an explanation from Chris Connolly as to the changing characteristics of new draftees.  ‘The game is evolving – the footballer is back, the athlete has moved on.  Now it’s the turn of good decision makers, with good skills.’  Coach Dean Bailey confirmed this, encouraging all present to ‘stick with the football club.  We’ve produced a good group of young players, with a lot of belief.’

There is no doubt that these qualities of belief and dedication have also played an integral part in the creation of the Volvo XC60, which was unveiled exclusively following the Draft Preview.  A city styled four wheel drive with innovative crash avoidance technology, it brakes itself at speeds under 30 km per hour, making it the ultimate safe car in urban environments.

As the Volvo XC60 was unveiled as the newest product in the Volvo stable, so the Mates of Melbourne audience left that evening knowing that a group of interesting youngsters would make their way into the red and blue colours just days later.  Following Jack Watts at No. 1, Eastern Ranges midfielder Sam Blease – praised for his excellent kicking – was taken at No. 17.  Oakleigh Chargers’ James Strauss followed at No. 19, with two indigenous players from Swan Districts – Jamie Bennell and Neville Jetta – being taken at No. 35 and No. 51.  Then came Rohan Bail from Mt Gravatt in Queensland at No. 64, with No. 76 being registered as a ‘pass’.  Like the Volvo XC60, they are products of the future, adding an extra element of excitement and anticipation heading into 2009.

02.12.2008

Pick the Top Ten Draft Picks competition

Guests at our MoM Draft preview night last Thursday, 27 November, were given the chance to test out their recruiting skills.  All those present were asked to predict the Top 10 AFL National Draft picks - in order.
 
Unfortunately, no one guessed the correct Top 10, but a number came very close!
 
Congratulations to Michael Burbank, who selected the closest Top 10 to that of the actual AFL draft.  See his Top 10 below, in comparison to the official AFL National Draft:
 

01.12.2008 

Members - did you know?

Over the weekend of 22 and 23 November, MoM member Andrew McTrusty was responsible for conducting the Rat Race all over Melbourne. What is the Rat Race?
Taking adventure sports right into the streets, waterways and urban jungle of the world’s coolest cities, the Rat Race is a physical and mental adventure challenge that uses the city as its playground.  Teams of three competitors run, bike, kayak, navigate, abseil and climb their way all over the city in a course that is only revealed moments before they begin.  It is for all fitness levels.
The Rat Race has been staged in cities including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Brighton, Belfast, and Galway, with the event reaching Australia in 2008….and it will be back again in 2009, so it would be great to get a few teams amongst Mates of Melbourne competing next year.

Take a look at some pictures of the weekend at http://www.actionpix.com.au/MelbourneRatRace/

26.11.2008

Karen Hayes – Sussan Classic

On Sunday 7 December, the Sussan Fun Run will be held along St Kilda Esplanade, raising much needed funds to support the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA). 

One of those who will be involved is Melbourne Football Club Director, Karen Hayes.  She has been a Board member of BCNA since the inception of the group ten years ago.  It now provides support to thousands of women and their families. 

BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer.  It informs, empowers, represents and links together people from more than 194 breast cancer member groups and over 29,000 individuals across the country.

To support Karen’s endeavours, a sponsorship page has been established.  She is undertaking the 10 km run option (10 or 5 km run/walk options are available), and welcomes all donations towards such a vital cause.  ‘This is a major fundraising initiative for BCNA so all donations towards helping me to reach my target will be greatly appreciated.’

The address for Karen’s sponsorship page is:

http://www.gofundraise.com.au/KarenHayes

Alternatively, others may also wish to participate, keeping in mind that they can run/walk for free upon raising $200.  Registration and a fundraising page can be set up at Sussan Woman's Fun Run, as well as through the link at the BCNA website – www.bcna.org.au.

30.10.2008

Mates of Melbourne and Tyrrell’s

With over 50 people gathered at Beer De Luxe, Federation Square for the first Mates of Melbourne event since the group was launched in September, it was more than appropriate that Tyrrell’s was involved.  Like the Melbourne Football Club, the Hunter Valley based wine company has been in existence since 1858.  The contribution of Tyrrell’s in conducting the event was also an extremely generous gesture, and testament to the close connection forged in this milestone year.

As David Neitz said in his introduction to the evening of wine tasting and networking, ‘this is the first of many events.  We’re looking to have three to four marquee events each year, as well as some free events mixed in, whether these are at the MCG before games, or outside football season altogether.’  Those in the room were made up of a combination of guests and Mates of Melbourne members, with all encouraged to become a member, or to increase their involvement through updated website profiles and participation in upcoming events.  The ambition is to ‘have 1000 members by the end of September next year.’  With over 160 having already joined in the first six weeks, it is an achievable aim.

Like Tyrrell’s, leading wine maker Mark Richardson is a product of the Hunter Valley, and has, since 1999, been the red wine maker at Tyrrell’s.  His knowledge was on hand for all in attendance, as he passed on inside information about ‘semillon – would be THE wine’ and a feature of Tyrrell’s in the shape of the ‘uniquely Australian sparkling red’, which gained a fair share of intrigued interest.  All was listened to keenly, while wine was sampled and purchases made of the wide range of Tyrrell’s products on offer.

The congenial atmosphere and combination of social and business networking appealed to all in attendance, as confirmed by Steven Febey. ‘It’s an informal atmosphere, which is good.  It gives an opportunity to do business with like minded Melbourne Football Club people, and to share a passion for red and white wine with a passion for the Club!’ 

On that note, all would no doubt raise a glass in agreement and good health to Tyrrell’s, the Melbourne Football Club, and the first Mates of Melbourne event. Long may all prosper!  Thanks again to Tyrrell’s, and to Mark Richardson, for ensuring that all had a most enjoyable and interesting evening.

If you are interested in hosting the next MoM event, contact Kate Horne on (03) 9652 1111.

 

16.10.2008

Will Fowles

Having become a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club Committee in 2005, and with his campaign to become Lord Mayor of Melbourne currently under full steam, Will Fowles’ Melbourne connections have only been extended and deepened by his involvement in Mates of Melbourne, let alone his ambition to lead the city that, as he states on his website (www.fowlesafreshvision.com.au) ‘isn’t just my home and the city I love, it is a city famous for its culture, liveability and diversity.’ 

Naturally, the sporting culture is an important part of this, and Fowles is a Melbourne person through and through.  Describing his love of the Club as a ‘genetic disorder’ that has been passed down through the generations, Fowles’ dedication to the red and blue has – as with all those who live and breathe the game, the Club and the MCG in particular – embraced ups and downs throughout his entire life.  ‘I’ve always loved it enormously.  Early on it was all about Robbie Flower, and then there was Jim Stynes, and now Aaron Davey is my favourite.’

Even though his days are crammed to the brim with activity, seeing Melbourne in action is something that is important to Fowles, and, as he points out, ‘I can always combine it with my MCC responsibilities!’  Where there is a will, there certainly is a way.

This is a quality that Fowles is applying to his mayoral campaign, replete with creativity and passion, and based on the platforms of enhancing the city’s vibrancy and creativity, while at the same time consolidating services and increasing the city’s appeal as a place of business and investment.

Fowles’ background gives him a strong foundation to work from in all respects.  He is a member of the Australian Labor Party, strongly involved in the Australian Republican Movement (ARM), and was previously President of the Monash Student Association.  He holds bachelors qualifications in Commerce and Law from Monash University.

Currently, in addition to his responsibilities at the Melbourne Cricket Club, he sits on the Board of the Australian Republican Movement.

Fowles has also conducted dozens of fundraising auctions in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, and knows the value of initiative and commitment in undertaking fundraising and business activities.  Mates of Melbourne fits this scope perfectly, and Fowles sees it as a ‘wonderful initiative – I really congratulate David Neitz and everyone who has worked with him to get it up and going.’ 

The principal of Piper Capital, a group whose investment focus is on property and hospitality, Fowles sees the value of Mates of Melbourne as an ‘excellent tool for business people.  It’s a great way for Melbourne Football Club people to show their support, both in a public and strategic way.’

Indeed, Mates of Melbourne is the perfect combination for Fowles and all those involved in the group.  ‘The Melbourne Football Club is a really tight knit community.  Mates of Melbourne provides a constructive way of getting people together, and it’s good for business.’  It is, as with Fowles’ mayoral campaign, part of a fresh vision that can be embraced by all.

www.pipercapital.com.au
www.fowlesafreshvision.com.au

 

02.10.2008

Congratulations Cameron Bruce

 The room at Peninsula, Central Pier, Docklands saw MoM members well represented in the gathering, as we watched Cameron Bruce win the 2008 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy for Best and Fairest in the Club’s 150th season.  Bruce’s success ahead of Brock McLean’s second placing was the sealer on a night that also paid tribute to retiring greats, and saw six new inductees enter the Club’s Hall of Fame.  We congratulate all recognised for their achievements.

Club President Jim Stynes used the occasion to again reinforce his support of the MoM group in uniting the MELBOURNEfc business community. He spoke bluntly about the current state of the Club, and clearly outlined that there is a great deal of work to be done to ensure the long-term viability of the Club.  Certainly, it was a poignant reminder to the MoM members and committee that we need to work continuously to build and improve the MoM network.

To that end, a new events schedule will be outlined within the coming weeks, which will include several free event offerings for members. The first of these is the Tyrrell’s wine and cheese tasting event on Wednesday 29 October, at 'Beer De Luxe' located in Federation Square.
 
See you there!
MoM Committee

25.09.2008

Business to Business

Having just launched a fortnight ago, Mates of Melbourne is already delivering successful business outcomes for its members.

Barry Evans - MD of VNR Transport Logisitics - made contact with Simon Hills, MD of Icon Holidays following launch night.  Almost immediately ,the two MoM member companies have started doing business together.

In other developments we’re aware that former player, and '150 Hero', Sean Wight, in his capacity as Director of Logilink, has been liaising with John Trotter, Managing Partner of Deloittes. Anthony McDonald is also experiencing a steady stream of enquiries for his business - Port Finance - since being profiled on the MoM home page over the last week.

The Club is really enthused by news of these initial business dealings amongst the MoM membership.  All look forward to sharing news and stories as more successful deals and partnerships stem from ongoing involvement in Mates of Melbourne.
 

09.09.2008

MoM Launches in Style

After nine months in the making, Mates of Melbourne officially kicked off on the evening of 9 September 2008, at the Reach centre in Abbotsford. Close to 200 people packed the room to find out more about the concept, which promises to promote business networking through the medium of AFL football.

Paul Hopgood was a highlight as the MC of the evening, keeping everyone in check, including MELBOURNEfc's GM Football, Chris Connolly. He introduced a number of speakers on the night - led by David Neitz and Jim Stynes - who spoke about the potential of the MoM concept. Importantly, their message was that the initiative will only work with the help of the people within the room, which was filled with some of the Melbourne Football Club's most prominent people, from both the business community and from the past players' group.

While a number of people could not make the event due to other commitments, the message still went out to MoM members, and potential members, to sign up and to get their ‘mates' to sign up as well. Anthony Ingerson and Anthony McDonald both spoke passionately about the importance of their networks in building their businesses once their football careers had ended. Their desire to also be involved in helping the football club through the MoM initiative was clearly evident, and stirring for all in attendance.

John Trotter (Deloitte) and Matthew Franceschini (Entity Solutions) also spoke about their passion for football, and for doing business through their involvement in sport. John let us take a sneak peek into his younger days, and gave us a glimpse of his passion for football when he spoke about his involvement in the Club's cheer squad in the 1964 Grand Final.

The overriding message of the night was that MoM is about building business relationships, both with the Melbourne Football Club, and with other ‘mates' within the group.

Currently, there are well over 80 people who have signed up for a membership and are now recognised as foundation members for the lifetime of their membership. The challenge now is to increase that number substantially.

To that end, an e-mail will soon be issued to follow up from this historical and unifying evening.

Network That Works

Mates of Melbourne is all about networking, and already the concept has produced some results. And that's before it has even launched!

As a result of the research and development phase of the MoM concept, two of our members, David Neitz and Paul Wilson, joined together to produce the MoM website.

The good news from this is that David's company, Outside Squared, and Paul's company, White Labeled, have agreed to join forces and will now work collaboratively to offer branding and digital communication solutions.

Here's to more of these stories coming our way soon.

MoM Co-Chairman in Finals

Congratulations to Mates of Melbourne Co-chairman, Matthew Franceschini, who has been making an impression on all the right people this year. Not only has he been hard at work to ensure that MoM is a strong and successful group, but as the CEO and one of the founders of Entity Solutions, Matthew was nominated as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year award.

The award is judged on six key criteria: Entrepreneurial spirit, Innovation, Personal Integrity/ Influence, Financial Performance, Strategic Direction, and National/ Global impact.

Playing an active role in developing new business relationships, presenting to Federal Government on key areas of expertise, such as migration and Australian workplace agreements and reform, as well as showing strengths in the aforementioned areas of which he was nominated for this award, it is little wonder Matthew was so keenly sought for his role in the MoM committee.

Matthew's company fills an identified gap in the employment marketplace, providing services to contract based professionals, who represent a growing segment of the workforce. For more information, click on Matthew's profile.