For the first time since December 2012 the Reserve Bank of Australia have cut our national cash rate by .25 per cent. Interest rates currently stand at 2.75 per cent, setting a 50-year record low for the Australian cash rate. Compared with many other nations, interest rates in Australia are still considerably stable (and high). Economists view May’s rate-cut announcement as unexpected – yet they are a welcome relief for a number of local industries who have seen their returns drop or stall quarter-on-quarter. Today’s Chisholm & Gamon blog takes a look at motivation behind the RBA’s May decision – and how this change may affect home owners and mortgagees.

The decision to drop interest rates has been welcomed by the Australian public, as is generally the case whenever an extra amount of disposable income becomes available in a household’s budget. The RBA hopes May’s rate cut will provide the ‘breathing room’ to encourage domestic spending and a subsequent boost in the economy. The property market is one industry sure to see increased demand and competition, with many first home owners now taking advantage of fixed rate opportunities when rates are at record lows.

The effect of rate cuts over the past 18 months is beginning to slowly filter into the national economy.  Experts believe the effects of prior interest rate cuts have taken longer to ‘flow down’ into the wider economy than expected – which is further motivation for May’s discount. Slow growth in almost all national industries has continued in 2013, and interest rate cuts are primarily seen as a way to stimulate the consumer into spending, the investor into investing, and the business owner into further employment. Unemployment rates are also expected to drop due to May’s rate cuts.

The RBA have continued to take note of the international economic climate, identifying that China is stable and America continues to slowly improve. Despite growing global stability, further rate cuts may be on the horizon with a federal election coming in September. The RBA will continue their conservative monetary policies – as it is desirable to leave room for movement to adapt to any economic unpredictability in future.

The final word on the May monetary announcement is that prospective property buyers should consider making a move.  Favorably low interest rates simply won’t be available to forever – they’re merely a short-term strategy for greater economic prosperity. If buying is on your agenda – the ball is in your court.

Elwood is not just a beautiful place to live but also a wonderful, community-minded environment in which to work and learn (as C&G can faithfully attest!). Elwood Primary School is a well-loved institution, servicing our community since 1916.  The neighbourhood boundary map below roughly borders Ormond Esplanade and Brighton Road. Priority enrolment is for those within the zone and those with older siblings already attending the school. Should there be extra places available, students outside the immediate Elwood Primary School zone will be accepted based on how close they reside to the boundary. In exceptional circumstances, students outside of the zone may be accepted. Email elwood.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au for further details.

While IKEA may have a monopoly on the no-fuss furniture market (if you’re handy with an allen key), there are some new and interesting new product in the home furnishing industry that challenge traditional décor concepts. New design methods embrace sustainable materials in the fabrication of bookcases, chairs and storage. Today’s Chisholm & Gamon post takes a look at the ins and outs of these innovative new furnishing materials – beware that you may find yourself re-decorating after reading our blog!

There are a number of new age materials finding their way into homes as contemporary versions of traditional furniture. While many of us are well-acquainted with a wooden dinner table or metal-framed chair, there are some who are using alternative eco friendly materials in furniture construction with bamboo, cork, cardboard and even paper.

While serving as a tasty treat for Pandas, bamboo is also a very sturdy building material that has been used for many years in Asia for a range of purposes. If you wander around a construction site in China you will notice that scaffolding is often made from bamboo! Highly durable and resistant to weather and temperature changes, bamboo is a perfect material for outdoor furniture exposed to the elements. Bamboo is also beneficial for the environment as it takes the pressure off our depleting forests – a truly sustainable, fast-harvest material.

Another highly weather-resistant material that ticks all the boxes is cork. As well as being recyclable and reasonably inexpensive, cork is resilient to water, mold and fire. A piece of furniture made from this distinctive material would make for a very interesting feature piece. The eco friendly factor? Cork trees can be stripped and remain healthy.

Paper and cardboard are materials that are probably the hardest to conceive as items of furniture. While the concept of paper seating may not be for everyone, there is no doubt that using recycled paper goods offers great flexibility in form plus convenience and recyclability. After a feature piece in a stunning shape for your lounge room? Look to Karton in Fitzroy, who specialize in furniture crafted from unusual materials.

There’s so much to love about Indian films. With their bright colours, Bollywood dancing, enchanting music and beautiful cinematography, the Indian film industry is often regarded as the most flamboyant of its kind. Now in its second year, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is shaping up to be even more outrageous and exotic than ever – here at Chisholm and Gamon, we can’t wait to see so much rich culture packed into one event.

Running from the 3^rd to the 22^nd of May, this year’s Indian Film Festival promises to be a mouth-watering masala of movie magic. The 2013 program celebrates the 100^th anniversary of Indian film, allowing the audience to follow the development of India’s rich cinematographic tradition. The festival offers a guide through India’s film heritage, with everything from India’s first silent feature film to the advent of sound and colour and the biggest blockbuster movies. This is a perfect opportunity for film aficionados to discover the awakening of Indian film as a genre. For those with less experience of Bollywood film, the festival is a fantastic opportunity to expand your cultural knowledge while being entertained.

The best and brightest of Indian film will be attending the Melbourne festival, with Bollywood movie stars and expert filmmakers introducing their work to the audience. There is also the rare opportunity to interact with filmmakers through Q&A sessions and master classes that encourage the audience to expand their understanding and connect with experts in this field. There is no greater opportunity than this to discover the innermost workings of the Indian film industry. Four master classes will take place during the festival by filmmakers who enjoy hands-on experience in the industry, individuals willing to share their insights and experiences with fans and enthusiasts.

If you see yourself as a budding filmmaker there is also the opportunity to take part in the Western Union Short Film Competition, which gives aspiring Australian, New Zealand and Indian filmmakers the chance of recognition from the industry. Winners will have their work shown in all three countries – proving an amazing experience for those wishing to get a foot in the door of Bollywood cinema.

Featuring blockbusters, cult classics and art-house films from across India, the 2013 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a feast for the senses. Let the beauty, magic, mysticism and heart of Indian film enchant and captivate you. Sit back, relax and experience 100 years of magnificent Indian cinema.

Rise to the Challenge!

Growing youth homelessness is a serious problem in Melbourne. At Chisholm and Gamon, we’ve discovered something you can do to tackle the issue. The 21 Challenge offers you the chance to do something you love (or conversely, don’t love but will do as a challenge!) for 21 days in order to support homeless youth around Australia. By sacrificing something you like, trying something new, or doing something a bit ‘out of the ordinary’ for just 21 days, you can play a role in making a homeless child’s life a little easier. 

This year challenge yourself, your friends and your workmates to attempt The 21 Challenge. Whatever you choose to do, you can assist those in serious need by collecting donations from friends and family in exchange for ‘sticking’ to your 21 Day Challenge commitment. Proceeds from the 21 Day Challenge support Open Family Australia’s Outreach program, a Melbourne-based organisation that has been supporting youths living rough on our streets since 1978. Using successful programs such as education, prevention and mentoring, Open Family Australia aims to reconnect young people with the general community through positive community support systems.

The 21 Challenge allows you to be as radical and ridiculous as you like, so get creative with your ideas in order to raise as much money as possible for this great cause. You could wear clothes from an op-shop for 21 days straight, walk on your lunch break, replace all the chairs in your boardroom with beanbags or give up your car for the duration of the fundraiser. Whichever you chose, you’ll be helping youths who find themselves on our streets every night.

In 2012 the 21 Challenge raised over $155,000 to support the Open Family Australia’s Outreach programs. This year they’ve set the bar at $150,000 – but with growing support for the fundraiser, they’re likely to achieve this goal. By offering assistance to children at a young age, the charity aims to stop the cycle of homelessness by promoting a healthy positive change within their lives.

There’s so much that we take for granted in our daily lives that it’s important to assess the situation of those around us. There are over 32,000 young people sleeping on Australia’s streets every night, and by simply signing up for the 21 Challenge you can make a positive change in their lives. Whether you decide to sign up solo, with your family, friends or colleagues or take up the challenge and for just 21 days – you can make a huge difference.

Come down to bright and beautiful Black Rock this Saturday the 4th of May from 10am to 1pm and enjoy special treats and discounts while you enjoy the atmosphere.  Black Rock Village is located where Beach, Bluff and Balcombe Roads meet. Chisholm & Gamon hope to see you there!