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Galaxy Macau Shines Brightly this Lunar New Year Unlocking a ‘Golden’ Year of Prosperity and Good Fortune

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Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, Galaxy Macau™ has officially launched its Lunar New Year campaign to celebrate the most joyful and lucky time of the year. Galaxy Macau™, Broadway Macau™, and StarWorld Hotel have adorned themselves with festive decorations, showcasing the unique charm of Lunar New Year in Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Guests are invited on a journey through the “Ruyi Gate” at the Diamond Lobby to experience a series of interactive digital features, including a lucky draw to win amazing prizes.

From now until February 16, with thoughtfully curated experiences, including an exciting series of auspicious events, luxurious shopping offerings, and enticing rewards totalling up to MOP 8.88 million, guests can gather blessings for the year ahead and embrace a brand-new chapter of fortune and prosperity.

Immersive Digital Experience for Lunar New Year Installations

As the Chinese Spring Festival has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Galaxy Macau, Broadway Macau, and StarWorld Hotel have been adorned with decorations inspired by the “Ruyi” knot, a piece of traditional Chinese craftsmanship symbolising good fortune and blessings, while every corner has been thoughtfully decorated to bring wishes of happiness and prosperity. This year’s decorations combine digital technology with traditional Chinese architectural elements, infusing the interiors with auspicious symbols and innovative concepts.

The God of Fortune, accompanied by Golden Boy and Jade Girl, will be visiting Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel on the first five days of the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings, fortune and good luck upon everyone!

Beginning at the Diamond Lobby, where a giant shimmering Ruyi knot installation awaits, guests are invited on an unforgettable journey including a lucky draw in the form of innovative digital fortune sticks. Grand prizes include white gold diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook, shopping rewards, discounts for the “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Immersive Experience, and a wide selection of dining vouchers, with prizes valued at a total of MOP 8.88 million. During the festive period, guests participating in the “Galaxy Ultimate Club” photo game can also receive exclusive limited-edition Ruyi knot keepsakes, symbolising blessings for the new year.

Inspired by traditional Chinese Si He Yuan architecture, one of this year’s highlights is the “Auspicious Si He Yuan Digital House” at the Pearl Lobby. Its exterior showcases intricate Ruyi knot designs, while its interior offers an immersive digital experience. The Jade Lobby features the “Fourtune Pavilion”, where guests can enjoy an interactive calligraphy experience using digital technology to create spring couplets in their choice of Chinese character for “Good Fortune” (“Fu”). At the “Garden of Blessings” at Promenade Central, a digital garden blooms with vibrant cherry blossoms underneath giant Ruyi knots dangling from above. Every corner of the resort is imbued with festive blessings for wealth and prosperity.

Galaxy Macau’s ‘Golden Fortune Rains’ mini-game is now live. Head over to the ‘Galaxy Macau Integrated Resorts’ WeChat Mini Program to access the event page before February 16. Galaxy Macau presents a multitude of exceptional rewards. Become a Galaxy Ultimate member to participate in the mini-game to secure exclusive concert tickets, luxurious hotel stays at the Andaz Macau, dining and shopping vouchers, and unique WeChat red packet covers. These thoughtfully curated New Year gifts symbolize our sincere wishes for fortune and success in the coming year.

Exclusive New Year Collections from Luxury Brands

The Lunar New Year is the perfect time to refresh your style and pamper yourself. Galaxy Promenade offers a curated selection of world-renowned luxury brands, making it the ultimate destination for the latest fashion collections. This year, top luxury brands have launched limited-edition items exclusive to Lunar New Year along with their early Spring 2025 collections, blending festive flair with contemporary trends. From January 24 to February 9, guests can even enjoy up to 7% cashback on their shopping.

From January 15 to February 7, the DFS New Year Pop-Up store at the Pearl Lobby features exclusive Lunar New Year gift sets and limited-edition offers from popular beauty brands. Shoppers can enjoy makeup demonstrations every Friday to Sunday and earn beauty vouchers worth up to MOP 860.

Special Festive Performances with a Strong Sense of Ceremony

From January 15 to February 16, the resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show and the Crystal Lobby Show. A dazzling three-meter-tall diamond will descend gracefully amid a water display, synchronised with stunning lights and awe-inspiring music. The shimmering Crystal Lotus, constructed of 380,000 precision-cut fine crystals and 146,000 individually programmed points of light, combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, creating an immersive technicolor spectacle with traditional red and gold elements.

The resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show.

From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the God of Fortune, accompanied by the “Golden Boy” and “Jade Girl”, will make appearances at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel, giving out blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. Professional lion dance troupe will also perform from the third to the fifth day, showcasing breathtaking artistry and spreading joy and blessings.

A Spectacular Performances to Expand Artistic Horizons

The Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena, Asia’s newest premier event venues, are set to host an array of captivating performances, including “Galaxy Music Gala: Lang Lang and Macao Orchestra”, “The TF Family 2025 New Year Concert – Passion is coming!”, “Jeff Chang Ultimate Continuum World Tour Concert in Macau, Chinese New Year Special”, and “TAEYANG 2025 TOUR [THE LIGHT YEAR] IN MACAU”. Adding to the excitement, an internationally renowned music maestro will make a surprise appearance on January 19 from 12.30-1.30pm at the Pearl Lobby, performing timeless masterpieces alongside talented young artists as part of the Music Chamber Series: Young Award-Winning Musicians. Over at Broadway Macau, meanwhile, the Broadway Theatre will showcase a diverse array of captivating performances and music events to ensure a spectacular entertainment experience.

On the first floor of Galaxy Promenade, GalaxyArt presents “Boom and Bloom Exhibition”, a dynamic and engaging art exhibition that offers an exciting fusion of innovation and fun. This exhibition sees the debut collaboration between Mainland artist Ray Chan and Macau-born artist Sanchia Lau with their original IPs “Shake Money Tree” and “Wishing Doll”. Over at Galaxy Cinema, audiences can enjoy Lunar New Year blockbuster films while their little ones experience delightful New Year surprises with the resort’s much-loved mascot, Wavey the Peacock. Hotel guests with young ones can also visit the Edutainment Center for free craft workshops themed around the Lunar New Year.

Culinary Delights for Festive Gatherings

“Poon Choi” is a beloved culinary heritage that reflects the nostalgic charm of Hong Kong’s Yuen Long walled villages. Galaxy Macau celebrates the traditional cuisine with a modern twist this year, infusing the classic dish with the rich, spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Specialty items like Black Cane Sugar New Year Pudding and Chinese Turnip Cake are crafted from premium ingredients to highlight traditional tastes. Various restaurants at the resort will also roll out festive menus, from sumptuous banquet sets to à la carte delights and dim sum, catering to every reunion gathering. Diners using Visa cards at designated restaurants can enjoy an instant discount of MOP 150 when spending MOP 800, as well as dining vouchers worth up to MOP 600. Many prestigious restaurants at StarWorld Hotel also present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes, including the two-Michelin-starred Feng Wei Ju, ensuring a great start to the year fueled by acclaimed culinary artistry.

Restaurants at StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes for added festivity.

Explore Macau’s Festive Charm

The “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Experience invites guests celebrate a “National Style Chinese New Year” this Spring Festival. Choose from over 200 exquisite Hanfu outfits, complete with professional makeup and hairstyling. Explore Galaxy Macau and other iconic Macau attractions, where tradition meets modernity, as expert photographers capture every beautiful moment for you.

Outside the resort, guests can hop on the open-top sightseeing bus for a short trip and enjoy the glittering festive lights of Cotai. For those who love city walks, 23 locations across Cotai and other areas of Macau offer stunning photo opportunities with the “Light Up Macao: Symphony of Time and Space” installations. Guests can also visit the newly renovated Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, where eye-catching Lunar New Year decorations await. The Spring Market in the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will open on weekends from January 18 through February 2, as well as on January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year). Featuring 18 stalls that offer unique local festive souvenirs, the market is complemented by live music and festive-themed workshops in the afternoon.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Revitalization Project Lai Chi Vun Shipyards Spring Market arrangements.

From January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year) to February 2, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will host even more exciting activities, including the God of Wealth Parade and the handing out of fortune gift bags. Visitors can also enjoy various traditional events unique to Macau, including the Grand Dragon Parade, the Lunar New Year Float Parade, and fireworks displays from January 29 to February 8.

For more information, visit the official website at www.galaxymacau.com, or follow Galaxy Macau on social media (Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, TikTok and Xiaohongshu) for the latest updates. For inquiries and reservations, please call +853 8883 2221.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Gaw Capital Partners Acquires 45% Stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc.

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Source: Media Outreach

TOKYO, JAPAN/HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw CapitalPartners, today announces the acquisition of 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. (AAA). This strategic partnership with Agility Asset Advisers Inc. further enhances Gaw Capital’s corporate profile and reputation in the Japan real estate market, amplifies its deal sourcing and asset management capabilities, and opens up new avenues to access lower-cost Japanese capital and evergreen funding sources.

Founded in January 2005, Agility Asset Advisers Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of Agility Holdings Inc. (AH), has been an integral member of the PhillipCapital Group (PhillipCapital), a comprehensive financial group based in Singapore, since January 2016. Throughout the past years, AAA has built a strong foundation in domestic real estate management for institutional investors.

Under the collaboration, an affiliate company of Gaw Capital and a related company of PhillipCapital, each hold a 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. The remaining 10% is held by Mutual Links Corporation (ML), whose majority shareholder is AAA’s founding president, Mr. Kinji Kaiho. The restructured ownership is a testament to the strategic alignment and shared vision between PhillipCapital and Gaw Capital to foster innovation and accelerate growth.

Mr. Kinji Kaiho will remain as President of AAA, ensuring the continuity and stability in the company’s leadership as we embark on this new chapter of collaboration.

Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan at Gaw Capital Partners, said, “We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration presents. By partnering with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., we are well-positioned to drive growth by redesigning and repositioning under-utilized real estate assets, unlock new opportunities, such as REIT initiatives, and deliver enhanced value to our investors in Japan and beyond.”

This strategic alliance underscores Gaw Capital’s commitment to deepening its presence in Japan and delivering innovative real estate investment solutions to investors worldwide. Together with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., Gaw Capital is poised to make strategic and significant expansion within the Japan market, solidifying its position as a key player in the real estate industry of the region.

Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Greens welcome Gaza ceasefire, but say more work to do

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Source: Green Party

The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine. 

“We welcome the signs of a meaningful ceasefire, but there remains work to do to secure lasting peace,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono.

“This is a victory for Palestinians and the wider solidarity movement who have long pushed for a ceasefire. However, it must be followed by efforts to establish justice and self-determination for Palestinians, and bring an end to Israeli apartheid and the illegal occupation of Palestine.

“Aotearoa has a part to play here, and that is why the Green Party last year lodged a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Adopting this Bill would mean our country backs up its recent actions in supporting a UN resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.

“We must divest public funds from illegal settlements, recognise the State of Palestine, and join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, just as we joined Ukraine’s case against Russia. 

“Furthermore, we should increase aid to Palestine, and support the reconstruction of Gaza as determined by Palestinians. We owe it to Palestinians who for many years have lived under brutal and illegal occupation by Israeli forces, and are now entrenched in a humanitarian crisis of horrific proportions.

“The genocide in Gaza, and the complicity of many Governments in Israel’s campaign of merciless violence against the Palestinian people on their own land, has exposed serious flaws in the international community’s ability to uphold international law.

“This means our country and others have work to do to rebuild trust in the international system that is meant to uphold human rights and prioritise peace,” says Teanau Tuiono.

MIL OSI

Pine Valley Road re-opened after three-month closure

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Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Transport re-opened Pine Valley Road in Dairy Flat late last year after a three-month closure to fix an 18-metre slip and damage to a culvert sustained during the severe weather events of early 2023.

The road reconstruction work began in September 2024 near 257 Pine Valley Road, and the road was closed to all but residents with traffic detoured via Kahikatea Flat Road and Dairy Flat Road.

An 86-metre block retaining wall has been built on the southern side of the road and a large box culvert replacement installed to re-route stormwater beneath the road.

Project Manager Jay Badenhorst says the scale of the project meant the road needed to be fully closed for safety reasons and to complete the works efficiently with minimum cost.

“Construction crews worked six days per week for up to 12 hours per day to complete the works and reconnect Pine Valley Road before the end of year holiday period,” he said.

“I’d like to issue a big shout out to the team that delivered this exceptional work and thank you to the Pine Valley Road residents and the surrounding community for their patience.”

More than 3000 tonnes of soil was removed during the excavation of the roadway and existing culvert and 15 sheet piles were installed to support a 500+ block Magnum stone wall to support the damaged road.

A 2.5m x 2m longbox culvert was then built six metres below the road to direct water from the southern to the northern side of the road, and to prevent erosion and maintain road stability.

Large stones called riprap now protect the embankment by deflecting water energy and stopping soil erosion, and power and internet services relocated during the build have been reconnected.

The Pine Valley Road reconstruction work is one of more than 800 significant flood recovery projects being managed by AT since the 2023 severe weather events. Find out more on the Auckland Transport website.

MIL OSI

Learner Success Community of Practice spotlights people, culture and leadership

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Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 16 January 2025
Last updated 16 January 2025

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Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Lincoln University and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi share how they are building learner success into the culture and operations of their organisations.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Lincoln University and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi share how they are building learner success into the culture and operations of their organisations.

The three organisations presented their approaches to building a culture of learner success at the Community of Practice session on 30 November 2024. People, culture and leadership is a key capability that a tertiary education provider needs to get right to enable learners to succeed.
We are pleased to share recordings of their presentations.
AUT – Felicity Reid, Joanna Scarbrough and Katy Thomas talk about creating the right environment for change across Ki Uta Ki Tai (their Learner Success Plan) and other strategic change projects. In their presentation they discuss the formation of cross-functional teams and working groups, along with creating processes to enhance interconnected decision-making and prioritisation, storytelling, data and insights.
Lincoln University – Tracy-Anne De Silva discusses their Manaaki Tauira Course Enhancements Programme. Their presentation focuses on engaging staff in the development of the programme, which they applied to several of their qualifications. The programme supports their learner success work and contributes to their culture of continuous improvement.
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – Kuao Wawatai (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui) talks about closing the leaks in the tauira learning pipeline. The presentation focuses on the ecological approach the wānanga takes to learning and how everyone who works at the organisation contributes to tauira success. Kuao shares how they use data and tauira voice to build understanding of the importance of putting tauira at the heart of their organisation.
Watch the presentations at Learner Success Community of Practice.
Learner Success Community of Practice sessions
The Tertiary Education Commission hosts online Community of Practice sessions in partnership with the tertiary sector. The aim is to connect tertiary education organisations to share knowledge, collaborate, and promote individual, group and organisational development to improve the success of their learners.
To find out about upcoming sessions, please contact 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS # Learner Success Community of Practice].
To view recordings of previous sessions, visit Learner Success Community of Practice.
Download the Ōritetanga Learner Success approaches: 7 key areas of capability diagram (PDF 335 KB). 

MIL OSI

Food prices increase 1.5 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: December 2024

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Food prices increase 1.5 percent annually 16 January 2025 – Food prices increased 1.5 percent in the 12 months to December 2024, following a 1.3 percent increase in the 12 months to November 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Higher prices for grocery food and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 2.7 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively.

The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for butter, standard 2L milk, and olive oil.

“The price for a 500g block of butter has increased by about 50 percent since this time last year, with an average price of $6.66,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

“The same-size block of butter had an average price of $4.48 in December 2023.”

Files:

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National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): September 2024 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): September 2024 quarter – 16 January 2025 – We have developed experimental quarterly estimates for institutional sector accounts and balance sheets to provide more timely data on New Zealand’s economy. We have published these experimental estimates on a quarterly basis since the first release for the March 2021 quarter.

Key facts

Quarterly income and outlay accounts

In the September 2024 quarter, compared with the June 2024 quarter (in seasonally adjusted terms):

  • household saving decreased $443 million to -$1.8 billion
  • household net disposable income fell 0.2 percent ($144 million):
    • compensation of employees rose 0.3 percent ($122 million)
    • income of self-employed businesses (entrepreneurial income) received by households rose 1.9 percent ($183 million) after a fall in the previous quarter
    • income tax paid by households rose 1.2 percent ($195 million)
  • household final consumption expenditure rose 0.5 percent ($299 million)
  • non-financial business enterprises saving fell $399 million to $67 million
  • interest received by financial business enterprises fell 1.2 percent ($181 million)
  • interest paid by financial business enterprises fell 2.7 percent ($393 million).

Files:

MIL OSI

Israel/OPT: Tragically overdue ceasefire will not repair lives of Palestinians shattered by Israel’s genocide in Gaza – Amnesty International

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Source: Amnesty International

Reacting to the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that will commence on 19 January 2025, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General said:

“The news that a ceasefire deal has been reached will bring some glimmer of relief to Palestinians victims of Israel’s genocide. But it is bitterly overdue.

“For Palestinians, who have endured more than 15 months of devastating and relentless bombardment, have been displaced from their homes repeatedly, and are struggling to survive in makeshift tents without food, water and basic supplies, the nightmare will not be over even if the bombs cease.

“For Palestinians who have lost countless loved ones; in many cases had their entire families wiped out or seen their homes reduced to rubble, an end to the fighting does not begin to repair their shattered lives or heal their trauma.

“The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees will bring relief to families in Israel and across the Occupied Palestinian Territory but likewise will not erase the ordeals they have suffered in captivity.

“There is no time to waste. Israel’s continuous and deliberate denial and obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza has left civilians facing unprecedented levels of hunger and children have starved to death. The international community which has thus far shamefully failed to persuade Israel to comply with its legal obligations must ensure Israel immediately allows lifesaving supplies to urgently reach all parts of the occupied Gaza Strip to ensure the survival of the Palestinian population. This includes guaranteeing the entry of vital medical supplies to treat the wounded and sick and facilitating urgent repairs to medical facilities and other vital infrastructure. Unless Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza is promptly lifted, this suffering will only continue. They must also urgently grant access to independent human rights monitors into Gaza to uncover evidence and reveal the extent of violations.

“For Palestinians who have lost so much there is little to celebrate when there is no guarantee that they will get justice and reparation for the horrifying crimes they have suffered.

“Unless the root causes of this conflict are addressed, Palestinians and Israelis cannot even begin to hope for a brighter future built on rights, equality and justice. Israel must dismantle the brutal system of apartheid it imposes to dominate and oppress Palestinians and end its unlawful occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory once and for all. Third states have a crucial role to play to bring an end to Israel’s impunity and restore some faith in the rule of law.”

MIL OSI

Australia Banking Sector – 80 per cent of Aussie small businesses experience cash flow challenges – CBA

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Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

As small to medium businesses brace for continued economic challenges in 2025, CommBank is partnering with AGSM @ UNSW Business School to offer a free course for Australian small business owners who want to know more about managing cash flow.

Nearly 80 per cent of Australian small to medium businesses (SMBs) have experienced impact to their cash flow in the last 12 months, according to a new survey commissioned by CommBank.

According to the research, the most common factors impacting cash flow are declining revenue (35 per cent), low cash reserves (30 per cent), and seasonal fluctuations (27 per cent). 

The vast majority (85 per cent) of surveyed businesses employ one or more specific strategies to manage cash flow, such as reviewing or decreasing expenses (34 per cent), maintaining a cash reserve (27 per cent), finding additional revenue streams (26 per cent), and increasing sales and/or pricing (25 per cent).

However, more than a quarter of Aussie small businesses (27 per cent) dipped into personal savings or didn’t pay themselves a salary, or both, in the last year.

According to CBA Executive General Manager Small Business Banking, Rebecca Warren, cash-flow strategies are important for long-term business success, and it’s crucial business owners have the knowledge to help them apply strategies that are right for them.

“For small businesses, success often hinges on a delicate balancing act as they constantly juggle various aspects of their operations, from managing customers and employees to dealing with suppliers and vendors. It’s not surprising that the economic challenges of the past year have resulted in cash-flow impacts for many Australian SMBs.

“While it’s encouraging to see small business owners take proactive steps to manage their cash flow, some of those strategies – like dipping into savings or not paying themselves a salary – may not be what’s best for the business or the business owner for the long term,” Ms Warren said.

Effective cash flow is crucial to the success and sustainability of small business, which is why CommBank is partnering with the Australian Graduate School Management at University of NSW Sydney Business School (AGSM @ UNSW Business School) to create a tailored course to help small business owners better understand and optimise their cash flow.

The Cash Flow Management course includes expert advice, strategies and easy-to-use tools that will empower small businesses to manage their finances with confidence. It’s available online, giving business owners the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

This short, practical course is available free of charge to all 2.5 million Australian small businesses, regardless of whether they’re a CommBank customer. Professor Nick Wailes, Dean of Lifelong learning at UNSW said:

“We recognise the vital role small businesses play in the Australian economy and are dedicated to equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate complex financial challenges. This partnership with CommBank demonstrates how working together can address real-world business needs.”

The partnership with AGSM @ UNSW Business School comes as more than half (53 per cent) of business owners expressed a desire to undertake a course or training to help with business management.

“The Cash Flow Management course is designed to provide practical insights that empower business owners to make informed decisions and build financial resilience. By offering this course, we aim to reach as many small business owners as possible, helping them create sustainable growth and secure their future in an increasingly challenging economic environment,” said Prof. Wailes.

CommBank customers have access to a range of cash flow solutions, such as Stream Working Capital which allows access to cash tied up in unpaid invoices, Business Overdraft which helps manage fluctuations and unexpected expenses, as well as our Cashflow management tool in CommBank app.

“Our partnership with AGSM UNSW highlights CommBank’s commitment to backing small business, and complements a range of products, services and tools to help Australian small business thrive,” Ms Warren added.

The free Cash Flow Management course can be accessed at: navigator.agsm.edu.au/enrol/cba_cashflow_2024

About UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact.

Since our foundation in 1949, our aim has been to improve and transform lives through excellence in research, outstanding education, and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Our cutting-edge research impacts a wide range of areas including housing affordability, water technology, waste management, hydrogen energy storage and cancer research. Solar photovoltaic cells developed from UNSW research are embedded in almost 90 per cent of all solar panels in the world, playing a critical role in the global transition to renewable energy.

International and regional partnerships, first-class academics and state-of-the-art facilities mean UNSW students graduate with relevant, sought-after skills. We offer an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs that attract students from across Australia and around the world.

About the research

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 507 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 31 October – 5 November 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of Australian small and medium business owners and decision makers (aged 18+).

MIL OSI

Finance – To fix or not to fix: Mortgage rate decisions a key theme for 2025 – CoreLogic

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Source: CoreLogic

Commentary from Kelvin Davidson, CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist
In recent months, falls in mortgage rates have understandably meant there’s been a strong focus on the ‘short end’ of the curve, with borrowers mostly choosing floating rates or 6-12 month fixes. However, the timing of a possible shift to longer-term fixed rates is shaping up as a key theme in the mortgage market this year.

The increase in mortgage lending activity has been underway for more than a year, accelerating in recent months. Over September to November, the increase in activity from the same months a year earlier averaged $1.3bn, compared to a rise of $0.8bn in the prior six months.

By loan type, house purchasing and bank switches have been the main contributors to growth, with loan top-ups more subdued. Naturally, it stands to reason that top-ups would be less common in an environment where house prices have fallen and borrowers’ paper equity is lower (or their effective loan to value ratio/LVR is higher) than it might otherwise have been.

However, there are a number of other interesting aspects to these figures:

Average new (note: not existing) loan sizes are significant – around $549,000 for investors in November and $564,000 for first home buyers.

However, there are few material signs that borrowers are reacting to budgetary pressures by going interest-only (I/O) – for example, only about 15% of new owner-occupier loans in November were I/O, a figure that’s been pretty stable for the past two years or so.
Indeed, ‘peak fear’ from the banks about the possible risks of loan defaults also seems to have faded – collective provisions for potential bad housing debts have dropped from $977m in August to $870m now (albeit still much higher than $683m two years ago).
Nevertheless, the appetite and/or availability for high LVR loans remains muted – for example, less than 12% of owner-occupier lending in November was done at <20% deposit, well under the 20% cap.
First home buyers still account for much of that activity – they have consistently taken 75-80% of all high LVR (or low deposit) owner-occupier lending for some time now, with around two in every five FHB loans being done at <20% deposit. 

Which brings us to the key question facing borrowers: to fix or not to fix?

On the latest data, only 10% of new loans were fixed for longer than 12 months, whereas only a year ago that figure was right up at 51%. 
On the flipside, the share of new loans on floating rates has risen from around 17% a year ago to 28% now.
This can all be seen in the stock measure of loans too (i.e. covering existing mortgages), with the share of debt on floating rates recently having lifted fairly sharply to 14%, the highest level since late 2020 – see Figure 2.
This focus on shorter terms makes sense as mortgage rates fall and borrowers try to ride that wave down as quickly as they can, rather than fixing for longer and having to pay ‘too much’ for a period of time until they can reprice again.
But this also hints at what could perhaps be the most intriguing aspect of the mortgage market in the year ahead: At which point do borrowers again deem there to be good value in the long-term rates and potentially start shifting to those loans?
The answer to that will be a decision for each borrower to make, but there is certainly a sense that most of the Reserve Bank’s eventual full monetary policy easing (and other global factors) has already been factored in to some current mortgage rates – or in other words, those longer-term rates might not fall much further.
Overall, then, we’d anticipate mortgage lending activity to continue to expand in 2025, going hand in hand with a further pick-up in property sales volumes (which we expect to rise from around 80,000 last year to 90,000 or so this year). 
Where mortgage rates head and how borrowers react to that will also be a key theme to keep an eye on, alongside the DTI caps – they don’t seem likely to suddenly lock out vast swathes of borrowers in 2025, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see DTIs at least become a much more common part of the general discussion around lending quite soon.

MIL OSI