Iiwiki Page – you can view my iiwiki page direct by going to the URL address as follows http://communications09.iiwiki.edu.au/
Mario’s writing Portfolio – you can go back to the home page of the blog at the following URL address http://di-fiore.blogspot.com/
PRESS Release – you can view some of my press and media releases that has been written by me.at the following URL address http://media-releases1.blogspot.com/
Foot In The Door – you can check out the foot in the door documents eg media release email sponsorship and much more at the following URL address http://foot-in-door1.blogspot.com/
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Foot In The Door Media Release
Getting your foot in the door
91 Walang Avenue
Figtree, NSW, 2525
PH: 02 42261237 Web: http://www.fitd.com.au/
23 May 2009
Annual Short Film Festival for TAFE students
FOOT IN THE DOOR is an annual short film competition designed for TAFE students to put into practice the theory and simulation they are learning about in class.
All entrants will work from the same script to produce a short film, and will be directly engaged in the marketing and promotion of the Festival. There is no entry charge, and the prizes are industry based work placements – designed to give the winning students “a foot in the door” – literally.
This will provide the perfect opportunity to give budding film makers what they want most – a “leg up” in their chosen industry – a “Foot in the door”.
The entrants will be able to use the existing infrastructure and expertise currently available in NSW TAFE Institutes.
The script to be used is a simple “AB script”, with no title, no setting, no genre specified, no gender assignment – just simple, ambiguous dialogue between two non-descript participants.
Variations are endless – there is a huge entertainment factor and the focus is on how to use film to tell a story, not write a script.
As far as we know, no other film festival anywhere in the world uses this approach.
All NSW TAFE students will receive an email in April 2009 outlining the festival and providing a link to the FITD web site.
On the web site, students will find all the information and resources they require to enter the festival. In November 2009 a showcase of the best films (as decided by the organisers) will be presented at a venue to be determined.
A panel of invited judges from the industry will select the prize winners. The wining entrants will be offered placements for film and television work, covered by TAFE insurances.
For further information contact:
Mario Di Fiore
91 Walang Avenue
Figtree, NSW, 2525
PH: 02 42261237 Web: http://www.fitd.com.au/
91 Walang Avenue
Figtree, NSW, 2525
PH: 02 42261237 Web: http://www.fitd.com.au/
23 May 2009
Annual Short Film Festival for TAFE students
FOOT IN THE DOOR is an annual short film competition designed for TAFE students to put into practice the theory and simulation they are learning about in class.
All entrants will work from the same script to produce a short film, and will be directly engaged in the marketing and promotion of the Festival. There is no entry charge, and the prizes are industry based work placements – designed to give the winning students “a foot in the door” – literally.
This will provide the perfect opportunity to give budding film makers what they want most – a “leg up” in their chosen industry – a “Foot in the door”.
The entrants will be able to use the existing infrastructure and expertise currently available in NSW TAFE Institutes.
The script to be used is a simple “AB script”, with no title, no setting, no genre specified, no gender assignment – just simple, ambiguous dialogue between two non-descript participants.
Variations are endless – there is a huge entertainment factor and the focus is on how to use film to tell a story, not write a script.
As far as we know, no other film festival anywhere in the world uses this approach.
All NSW TAFE students will receive an email in April 2009 outlining the festival and providing a link to the FITD web site.
On the web site, students will find all the information and resources they require to enter the festival. In November 2009 a showcase of the best films (as decided by the organisers) will be presented at a venue to be determined.
A panel of invited judges from the industry will select the prize winners. The wining entrants will be offered placements for film and television work, covered by TAFE insurances.
For further information contact:
Mario Di Fiore
91 Walang Avenue
Figtree, NSW, 2525
PH: 02 42261237 Web: http://www.fitd.com.au/
Sunday, June 21, 2009
MAP Press Release
MAP Announces its Education Policy
The newly formed Multicultural Acceptance Party (MAP) today announced that it will be fielding candidates in the upcoming election in selected Lower House Seats, and for the Senate in all states.
The progressive party has detailed policies on Immigration, Schools and education, the Aging population, multiculturalism and youth, among other areas. Full details on all these policies are available from their website www.map.gov.au.
One of the major planks in their platform is education reform. The cost of Tertiary education, including TAFE and private institutions are experience rapidly increasing fees. This is preventing a number of prospective students from attending the tertiary institution of their choice. It won’t be long before the cost of these alternative tertiary facilities will be the same as the costs of attending university.
Our policy will be introducing a “HECS” style fee help arrangement for all tertiary level study, including private colleges as well as State TAFEs. The current system will stay in place for Universities, but we will open up a scheme to all tertiary students.
The fees paid under this new initiative will be repaid in a similar manner to University fees being repaid. Once a graduating student obtains employment, and reaches a predetermined income threshold (between $30,000 to $50,000 income pa), repayments will commence as part of the income tax regime. The threshold will depend on the qualifications gained.To examine our policy in more detail please see the fact sheet attached or alternatively you can come along to the MAP Launch on…..
MAP presents a real alternative to the major parties. It provides electors with a choice of a progressive, dynamic party that has the interests of Australia now and into the future clearly in focus. A vote for MAP is a vote for Australia’s successful future.
The newly formed Multicultural Acceptance Party (MAP) today announced that it will be fielding candidates in the upcoming election in selected Lower House Seats, and for the Senate in all states.
The progressive party has detailed policies on Immigration, Schools and education, the Aging population, multiculturalism and youth, among other areas. Full details on all these policies are available from their website www.map.gov.au.
One of the major planks in their platform is education reform. The cost of Tertiary education, including TAFE and private institutions are experience rapidly increasing fees. This is preventing a number of prospective students from attending the tertiary institution of their choice. It won’t be long before the cost of these alternative tertiary facilities will be the same as the costs of attending university.
Our policy will be introducing a “HECS” style fee help arrangement for all tertiary level study, including private colleges as well as State TAFEs. The current system will stay in place for Universities, but we will open up a scheme to all tertiary students.
The fees paid under this new initiative will be repaid in a similar manner to University fees being repaid. Once a graduating student obtains employment, and reaches a predetermined income threshold (between $30,000 to $50,000 income pa), repayments will commence as part of the income tax regime. The threshold will depend on the qualifications gained.To examine our policy in more detail please see the fact sheet attached or alternatively you can come along to the MAP Launch on…..
MAP presents a real alternative to the major parties. It provides electors with a choice of a progressive, dynamic party that has the interests of Australia now and into the future clearly in focus. A vote for MAP is a vote for Australia’s successful future.
MAP FACT SHEET
Fees paid under our tertiary education initiative will be repaid in a similar manner to University fees being repaid. Once a graduating student obtains employment, and reaches a predetermined income threshold (between $30,000 to $50,000 income pa), repayments will commence as part of the income tax regime. The threshold will depend on the qualifications gained.
If graduating students are unable to obtain employment, or do not reach the threshold income for their qualification, they will not be required to repay the fees debt. Once they reach the threshold, the repayments will commence. We will also allocate laptops and other computer equipment to all students at all secondary schools (both public and private) as well as to all tertiary education institutions.
The laptops will be leased to the students during their schooling for no cost, and will become the property of the students when they complete their education. If they drop out prior to completing their course of education, they will either return the laptop, or be given the option off purchasing the laptop at a discount price, that is yet to be determined The MAP will also upgrade all computers systems, printers and other peripherals in the schools, as well as provide free wireless networking throughout classrooms, libraries and all areas of the secondary and tertiary properties. This also includes high bandwidth wireless internet access.
The wireless network will have state of the art security protection to stop anyone especially the youth, accessing adult or unrestricted sites, or any unsuitable sites. The wireless network will also have highly sophisticated firewall technology built in, to stop anyone outside the school community accessing the network All schools and tertiary institutions will be provided with at least two colour laser duplex printers, specifically for students use. All computers will come pre-loaded with the latest version of Windows, fully patched, and the latest version of Microsoft Office Professional, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, etc.
All education institutions will be provided with maintenance contracts for the computer hardware, with contracts being let on tender basis to local service providers. Not only will this support the education system, it will also provide support to local small businesses.
If graduating students are unable to obtain employment, or do not reach the threshold income for their qualification, they will not be required to repay the fees debt. Once they reach the threshold, the repayments will commence. We will also allocate laptops and other computer equipment to all students at all secondary schools (both public and private) as well as to all tertiary education institutions.
The laptops will be leased to the students during their schooling for no cost, and will become the property of the students when they complete their education. If they drop out prior to completing their course of education, they will either return the laptop, or be given the option off purchasing the laptop at a discount price, that is yet to be determined The MAP will also upgrade all computers systems, printers and other peripherals in the schools, as well as provide free wireless networking throughout classrooms, libraries and all areas of the secondary and tertiary properties. This also includes high bandwidth wireless internet access.
The wireless network will have state of the art security protection to stop anyone especially the youth, accessing adult or unrestricted sites, or any unsuitable sites. The wireless network will also have highly sophisticated firewall technology built in, to stop anyone outside the school community accessing the network All schools and tertiary institutions will be provided with at least two colour laser duplex printers, specifically for students use. All computers will come pre-loaded with the latest version of Windows, fully patched, and the latest version of Microsoft Office Professional, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, etc.
All education institutions will be provided with maintenance contracts for the computer hardware, with contracts being let on tender basis to local service providers. Not only will this support the education system, it will also provide support to local small businesses.
Rees needs to take action in the Illawarra
12 months ago the people of the Illawarra were lobbying the State Government to undertake a number of Infrastructure projects in the Illawarra. Premier Iemma was not impressed with our direct approach, and the Illawarra was ignored. Now we have new Premier, who recognises the importance of our area, to the extent that he is willing to hold a Cabinet meeting in the area, and have his ministers meet and greet the people.
But Rees still needs to take action on the same projects: The Maldon-Dombarton railway link, the F6 extensions both North and South, The Princes Highway upgrade south of Kiama, Wollongong Stadium, etc. With the increase in unemployment, however, the needs have changed character and become even more urgent. Commencement of these projects is imperative to save jobs.Unemployment nationally is predicted to hit 7%. It is already higher than that in the Illawarra – closer to 8% now.
Youth unemployment in the Illawarra is estimated to be close to a staggering 20%. These people need jobs. The closure of the Bonds factory and other downsizing has had a major impact. Traditionally, the Illawarra has relied on blue collar employment, and with so much manufacturing moving off shore, we need major projects to take their place.We also need the infrastructure these projects will provide.
The rail link will create even more employment after its completion due to increased exports and imports flowing through Port Kembla. The improvements in our road system will save lives. And a new grandstand at Wollongong Stadium will generate much needed tourist revenue.Obviously, we need the government funds for schools, hospitals, police and other services that the rest of the state needs. But we also need to see our tradespeople employed, and meaningful work for our young school and university leavers. It is good to see the NSW Government recognising the importance of the Illawarra. We now need to see the Government doing something.
But Rees still needs to take action on the same projects: The Maldon-Dombarton railway link, the F6 extensions both North and South, The Princes Highway upgrade south of Kiama, Wollongong Stadium, etc. With the increase in unemployment, however, the needs have changed character and become even more urgent. Commencement of these projects is imperative to save jobs.Unemployment nationally is predicted to hit 7%. It is already higher than that in the Illawarra – closer to 8% now.
Youth unemployment in the Illawarra is estimated to be close to a staggering 20%. These people need jobs. The closure of the Bonds factory and other downsizing has had a major impact. Traditionally, the Illawarra has relied on blue collar employment, and with so much manufacturing moving off shore, we need major projects to take their place.We also need the infrastructure these projects will provide.
The rail link will create even more employment after its completion due to increased exports and imports flowing through Port Kembla. The improvements in our road system will save lives. And a new grandstand at Wollongong Stadium will generate much needed tourist revenue.Obviously, we need the government funds for schools, hospitals, police and other services that the rest of the state needs. But we also need to see our tradespeople employed, and meaningful work for our young school and university leavers. It is good to see the NSW Government recognising the importance of the Illawarra. We now need to see the Government doing something.
Working in the 21st Century in Financial Services – A Profile
Working in the 21st Century involves a number of characteristics. Employment involves the use of technology, which is constantly changing.
Therefore to be working successfully in the 21st Century, a person needs to be able to cope with the technology, and have the flexibility to work with the constant change that we currently experience. I have chosen to review the career of Les Smith, who works at IMB Ltd. He has been the Branch Manager for Albion Park Branch of the Building Society for the past three years.
He demonstrates characteristics of working in the 21st Century, as he currently works in the Financial Industry, although he also undertakes training work as well. Flexibility has been, and continues to be the core of Les’ career. To work with IMB a person has to possess relevant Financial Industry qualifications such as Certificate 3 in Financial Services, which Les achieved through sponsorship from the IMB. The employer also enabled Les to gain the Certificate IV in Frontline Management. Les also possesses the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which he is currently upgrading. Similarly, Les has gained a number of recognised qualifications over the years, in areas as diverse as Creative Writing to Theology.
Three and a half years ago, when Les obtained the position of Branch Manager, he had not worked in the Financial Industry previously. IMB employed him, not for his experience or knowledge, but for his skills in people management, marketing and organisational ability. They then provided him with the training necessary to fulfil the role of middle management in a Financial Institution.
Previously, Les had 15 year’s experience in the Insurance Industry, which provided some experience which he has been able to translate into his present position. Les rose through the ranks of a major international Insurance Company to become NSW State Manager, based in Wollongong.
When his Head Office insisted he return to Sydney for further advancement, Les allowed himself to be Head-hunted in order to remain in Wollongong. After 3 year’s with his new employer, he was again under pressure to move to Sydney, so he left to start his own Computer Training Business. For the 10 year’s prior to his appointment by IMB, Les ran his own Computer Training Company in the Albion Park area.
It was the skills gained by this experience, as well as his knowledge of the local area that made him attractive to IMB. During the time of running his own business, Les built up an enviable reputation as a relaxed, fun, proficient trainer. He developed all his own training programs, and his notes are renowned for being comprehensive and easy to follow. In regard to Les’ work habits, he always ensures that he is the first to arrive at his Branch, ensuring that the premises are secure (a major consideration with Financial Institutions), and all computer and other systems are fully operational, ready for his staff to attend to their duties.
He places a great emphasis on staff training, and new employees to IMB are often placed temporarily in Albion Park Branch to receive comprehensive training. Changing careers as Les did in his mid 50’s, has not been without its challenges. The move from being self-employed to being subject to other’s direction was particularly difficult for Les to adjust to. But it is a credit to his flexibility, that he is now acknowledged as one of IMB’s most respected Branch Managers. The hallmark of Les’ business career has been flexibility.
He has been able to move from industry to industry, and use the experiences he has gained in new and innovative ways. He has also always been ready to learn new skills and knowledge, constantly undertaking further training, both formally (such as the Certificate 3 & IV qualifications stated above) and informally, through Internet searching, reading books and similar activities. This flexibility has been demonstrated by the variety of careers that Les has had. He has been a Teacher with Adult Education organisations, an insurance claims manager, insurance underwriter, marketing manager, trainer, Home loan lender and Personnel Manager. It is a tribute to Les’ time management skills and stamina that he is able to maintain his computer training business while continuing to successfully work full time for IMB. Working in the Financial Industry in today’s climate places a number of stresses on an individual.
The Global Credit Crisis has caused an intense impact on the Financial Industry in Australia, and all employees working in it. There are unprecedented set of circumstances placing unique difficulties in the path of all Financial Institutions. Volatility in interest rates makes it extremely difficult for people working in Finance to be able to advise customers on the best courses of action.
This affects both the lending and investing side of finance. One area of increasing conflict is the area of bank fees. It is recognised that financial institutions need to be profitable to continuing to exist, and the stress placed on the cost of financial institutions in acquiring the funds necessary for lending have meant that a number of banks have increased their fees as a means of survival. This has angered their customers, who see huge profits being announced, as well as highly valued employment packages being offered to senior bank executives.
As one of the member based financial institutions, IMB are answerable to their members, who are their customers, rather than answerable to shareholders. As a result, such member based organisations generally speaking, have a lower fee structure than the major banks. IMB have a fee philosophy that it will only impose fees that directly recoup expenses incurred. They do not regard collecting fees as a way of raising capital. Les has found working with IMB, and changing career later in life has been an interesting, profitable challenge.
Therefore to be working successfully in the 21st Century, a person needs to be able to cope with the technology, and have the flexibility to work with the constant change that we currently experience. I have chosen to review the career of Les Smith, who works at IMB Ltd. He has been the Branch Manager for Albion Park Branch of the Building Society for the past three years.
He demonstrates characteristics of working in the 21st Century, as he currently works in the Financial Industry, although he also undertakes training work as well. Flexibility has been, and continues to be the core of Les’ career. To work with IMB a person has to possess relevant Financial Industry qualifications such as Certificate 3 in Financial Services, which Les achieved through sponsorship from the IMB. The employer also enabled Les to gain the Certificate IV in Frontline Management. Les also possesses the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, which he is currently upgrading. Similarly, Les has gained a number of recognised qualifications over the years, in areas as diverse as Creative Writing to Theology.
Three and a half years ago, when Les obtained the position of Branch Manager, he had not worked in the Financial Industry previously. IMB employed him, not for his experience or knowledge, but for his skills in people management, marketing and organisational ability. They then provided him with the training necessary to fulfil the role of middle management in a Financial Institution.
Previously, Les had 15 year’s experience in the Insurance Industry, which provided some experience which he has been able to translate into his present position. Les rose through the ranks of a major international Insurance Company to become NSW State Manager, based in Wollongong.
When his Head Office insisted he return to Sydney for further advancement, Les allowed himself to be Head-hunted in order to remain in Wollongong. After 3 year’s with his new employer, he was again under pressure to move to Sydney, so he left to start his own Computer Training Business. For the 10 year’s prior to his appointment by IMB, Les ran his own Computer Training Company in the Albion Park area.
It was the skills gained by this experience, as well as his knowledge of the local area that made him attractive to IMB. During the time of running his own business, Les built up an enviable reputation as a relaxed, fun, proficient trainer. He developed all his own training programs, and his notes are renowned for being comprehensive and easy to follow. In regard to Les’ work habits, he always ensures that he is the first to arrive at his Branch, ensuring that the premises are secure (a major consideration with Financial Institutions), and all computer and other systems are fully operational, ready for his staff to attend to their duties.
He places a great emphasis on staff training, and new employees to IMB are often placed temporarily in Albion Park Branch to receive comprehensive training. Changing careers as Les did in his mid 50’s, has not been without its challenges. The move from being self-employed to being subject to other’s direction was particularly difficult for Les to adjust to. But it is a credit to his flexibility, that he is now acknowledged as one of IMB’s most respected Branch Managers. The hallmark of Les’ business career has been flexibility.
He has been able to move from industry to industry, and use the experiences he has gained in new and innovative ways. He has also always been ready to learn new skills and knowledge, constantly undertaking further training, both formally (such as the Certificate 3 & IV qualifications stated above) and informally, through Internet searching, reading books and similar activities. This flexibility has been demonstrated by the variety of careers that Les has had. He has been a Teacher with Adult Education organisations, an insurance claims manager, insurance underwriter, marketing manager, trainer, Home loan lender and Personnel Manager. It is a tribute to Les’ time management skills and stamina that he is able to maintain his computer training business while continuing to successfully work full time for IMB. Working in the Financial Industry in today’s climate places a number of stresses on an individual.
The Global Credit Crisis has caused an intense impact on the Financial Industry in Australia, and all employees working in it. There are unprecedented set of circumstances placing unique difficulties in the path of all Financial Institutions. Volatility in interest rates makes it extremely difficult for people working in Finance to be able to advise customers on the best courses of action.
This affects both the lending and investing side of finance. One area of increasing conflict is the area of bank fees. It is recognised that financial institutions need to be profitable to continuing to exist, and the stress placed on the cost of financial institutions in acquiring the funds necessary for lending have meant that a number of banks have increased their fees as a means of survival. This has angered their customers, who see huge profits being announced, as well as highly valued employment packages being offered to senior bank executives.
As one of the member based financial institutions, IMB are answerable to their members, who are their customers, rather than answerable to shareholders. As a result, such member based organisations generally speaking, have a lower fee structure than the major banks. IMB have a fee philosophy that it will only impose fees that directly recoup expenses incurred. They do not regard collecting fees as a way of raising capital. Les has found working with IMB, and changing career later in life has been an interesting, profitable challenge.
Email seeking sponsorship support
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are offering you an opportunity to sponsor a unique new film festival being planned. The festival will be open to all NSW TAFE students, and to maximise entry levels, we intend to make the festival free for the students to enter. The prize is a “Foot in the Door” of the film industry for the winner, in the form of work experience within the film industry. You will be aware of the costs of providing, promoting and staging this huge event, and it will be a major success, if we can cover our costs. Sponsors will receive wide spread radio and television publicity, as well as newspaper and other media promotion, including the sponsors’ logo or image.
They will also have their name and brand promoted among all entrants and within all NSW TAFES. The major sponsor will have the opportunity of naming rights for the Festival, which is expected to be an annual event. For more information, go to our web site: www.fitd.com.au, where full details of the Festival are available, or contact the person below.
Yours Faithfully,
Mario Di Fiore
Marketing Co-ordinator
TAFE NSW
Foleys Road West Wollongong
admin@fitd.com.au
02 4226 1237
We are offering you an opportunity to sponsor a unique new film festival being planned. The festival will be open to all NSW TAFE students, and to maximise entry levels, we intend to make the festival free for the students to enter. The prize is a “Foot in the Door” of the film industry for the winner, in the form of work experience within the film industry. You will be aware of the costs of providing, promoting and staging this huge event, and it will be a major success, if we can cover our costs. Sponsors will receive wide spread radio and television publicity, as well as newspaper and other media promotion, including the sponsors’ logo or image.
They will also have their name and brand promoted among all entrants and within all NSW TAFES. The major sponsor will have the opportunity of naming rights for the Festival, which is expected to be an annual event. For more information, go to our web site: www.fitd.com.au, where full details of the Festival are available, or contact the person below.
Yours Faithfully,
Mario Di Fiore
Marketing Co-ordinator
TAFE NSW
Foleys Road West Wollongong
admin@fitd.com.au
02 4226 1237
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)