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Estate planning presentation for Mother's Union
Condon Charles Estate Planning trainee solicitor Sheelagh Gray recently presented an estate planning seminar to the Toowoomba Diocese of the Mother's Union organisation.
More than 30 members from around Toowoomba and the Darling Downs attended to learn more about the importance of estate planning and to better understand the processes involved.
Sheelagh said, "It was pleasing to have the opportunity to talk to a group of women who often play an important part in their local communities."
"These are the daughters, wives, mothers and grandmothers that often provide the foundation for happy and healthy families."
"My hope is that the information received will provide a clearer picture of just how much difficulty can arise for a family that suffers both the loss of a loved one and also the legal, emotional and financial difficulties that can happen when the deceased does not have a valid and up to date will."
"Arguments that arise during the administration of an estate, especially where clear instructions have not been left, is one of the most common causes of family disharmony and the breakdown of parent and child or sibling relationships."
The Mother's Union Australia is an organisation within the Anglican Church that works to encourage, support and strengthen marriage and family life.
Community groups interested in free seminars on estate planning or other legal issues are invited to contact us to discuss their requirements.
Property Investing Seminar Success
"Toowoomba is shaping up as an attention-grabbing hotspot of the future" Terry Ryder - Hotspotting, The Australian, 20 May 2010.
This article was the catalyst for a recent information evening conducted by Qld Hot Property, Vision Accountants, GJ Gardner Homes and Condon Charles.
With interest growing in the Toowoomba area as an investment location, both in property and in business, the time was right to provide our clients with an overview of why now is a good time to plan your property investment future.
With more than 75 people taking up the offer to attend the free seminar the evening was fully subscribed.
During the evening Shane Charles discussed the latest information on the major projects that will influence the Toowoomba property market for years to come.
Leon Carlile, REIQ Zone Chairman and Qld Hot Property, gave an insight into the best performing suburbs in Toowoomba and highlighted key locations for growth.
Their presentations were followed by representatives form the other contributing businesses covering new home building options, tax & structuring issues and gaining the right finance.
Please contact us if you are interested in future events of this type and we will add you to the advance invitation list.
Developments & Resources Blog launched
Shane Charles has started a blog to help centralise the increasing flow of information about developments in our region.
Shane Charles said, "Many of Condon Charles' clients and business associates have mentioned how hard it is to keep up to date with the latest events, projects, media and political commentary surrounding developments in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area.
"Our region is experiencing a new era of resource development and is increasingly seen as an important transport and labour force hub for Queensland. "
"Through my involvement with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Development Advisory Group and regular participation in Surat Basin and other development forums I have plenty of information to share with interested businesses."
"We'll also be maintaining a watching brief on as many online sources, press releases, media and company announcements as we can."
"Hopefully this blog will be an easy way for other business people to keep informed about projects and developments in the region. I’ll be sharing as much information as I can about resource projects, transport and infrastructure developments and other major business or property projects."
If you’d like to be kept up to date on this information please ensure you subscribe to this blog using the link to the right of the blog page. www.downsdevelopments.wordpress.com
Shane is also available to advise local businesses or property owners with concerns about their particular situation and how they may be affected. Please contact him on 4617 8100 or shane@condoncharles.com.au to discuss.
Shane on panel for AICD not-for-profit briefing
Shane Charles will be a panel member for an event being organised by the Australian Institute of Company Directors on the topic of "Governance in the not-for-profit sector".
Shane's experience with the Endeavour Foundation including his time spent as Chairman gives him a clear understanding of the issues faced by not-for-profit directors.
Joining Shane on the panel is Mike McDonald of Moore Stephens and Gavin Nicholson who has extensive experience in the area of governance policy and practice.
The event is being held on 28 July, 2010 from 5.15 pm to 8.00 pm at the Downs Club, Mylne Street, Toowoomba.
For more information contact Kate Condon on 1300 730 955 or email kcondon@companydirectors.com.au
Condon Charles launches Residential Contracts Guide
As part of its commitment to providing Toowoomba's best conveyancing service Condon Charles has developed a Residential Contracts Guide for agents.
This Guide contains a set of carefully drafted, effective special conditions that can be applied to cover virtually any requirement within a residential contract.
Conveyancing Manager Justin Shine said the Guide had developed out of the existing service Condon Charles provided to agents seeking advice on special conditions.
Justin said, "We regularly provide advice and special conditions to agents to make sure they get a contract that is watertight and represents the parties' interests.
"Using this Guide agents should find it easier to get a first draft contract with special conditions together and they can then contact us if they need further advice or modification of a condition.
"To make the process even easier we provide both a hard copy and electronic copy of the special conditions so they can be easily cut and paste into the contract."
The Guide is available free of charge and also includes information about the services Condon Charles provides to agents, team profiles, a copy of the REIQ Contract 6th Edition, conversion tables and web addresses for sites agents may find useful.
If you would like copies of the Guide please contact Jillian Davis on 4617 8110 or jillian@condoncharles.com.au
Shane Charles joins Mentoring for Growth Panel
Shane Charles was recently appointed to the Mentor Panel of the Toowoomba region's Mentoring for Growth Program.
Mentoring for Growth is a State Government initiative designed to assist local and regional business achievers and entrepreneurs to address impediments to growth in their business activities.
As a new member of the panel Shane will be involved in one-hour brainstorming sessions conducted by a panel of other similarly experienced and professional business mentors.
Shane said this program provides a fantastic opportunity for people and businesses with real potential to benefit from the combined wisdom of the local business community.
The mentees gain access to expertise that might otherwise be out of their reach for financial reasons or because they haven't had an opportunity to meet the right people to help them.
New face in business & commercial law
We are pleased to welcome Amanda Tolson who joined the firm on 23 February. Amanda is the key lawyer assisting clients under Shane’s direction in business matters and conducting rural and commercial property transactions.
Amanda comes to us from Queensland’s largest law firm, McCullough Robertson, where she has developed expertise in business and rural sales & acquisitions, commercial, retail and industrial leasing, due diligence, water transactions, estate transfers and planning law.
Amanda’s experience includes work on aspects of some major property and commercial matters including:
· Australia’s first cassava project in North Queensland
· Sale of $100 million+ rural properties by a listed company
· Acquisition of 10 IGA stores
Amanda is returning to the Toowoomba region to be closer to family and friends. Her family is on the land with properties in the Brookstead area. Amanda (then Elsden) was School Captain at Pittsworth High School in 2001.
Christmas Cheer at Condon Charles
More than 130 guests enjoyed some early December Christmas Cheer at Condon Charles recently.
The event is an annual opportunity for the firm and its clients and business associates to take some time to relax and enjoy each other's company without the pressure of a legal issue to resolve.
After a rare rainy day the weather was cool but the storms held off long enough for everyone to enjoy some good food (courtesy of Fibbers) and cold drinks.
Condon Charles goes Tropical
Seizing the opportunity to get out of the usual work attire Condon Charles recently participated in Tropical Shirt Friday.
For the price of a gold coin donation each staff member either wore a tropical shirt or an Hawaiian lei.
Funds raised went to the Toowoomba Hospital Children's Appeal.
The highlight of the day, behind the spectacle of Shane Charles in a magnificent orange and white hibiscus shirt, was discovering that the firm was the winner of the major prize for participating businesses.
Courtesy of Fitzy's Fibber Magees the staff will be enjoying a "Fitzy's Feast" to the value of $300 for efforts in supporting a worthy local cause.
Wills day raises more than $1500 for Endeavour
The Endeavour Foundation will benefit to the tune of around $1500 thanks to the time and efforts of the Condon Charles Estate Planning Team.
Condon Charles is providing estate planning advice to the staff of McConachie Stedman for a once off donation of $50 per couple.
For that price Condon Charles will prepare a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney and then donate the entire fee to the Endeavour Foundation to continue their outstanding work.
Condon Charles Director, Shane Charles said the idea had come about as a way of encouraging other professional advisors to undertake their own estate planning.
Shane said, “Its amazing how often lawyers, accountants, financial planners and bankers will give their client’s advice about the need for a professionally prepared Will while failing to take care of it themselves.
“We work closely with these advisors, particularly McConachie Stedman, so it seemed to just make sense to offer to help them get their estate planning in order, while also benefitting a local charity,” he said.
McConachie Stedman Partner Jane Heidrich said the firm had put a particularly strong effort in recent years into ensuring their clients are aware of the importance of both personal and business succession planning.
Jane said, “The financial, and emotional, benefits of a professional prepared Will can be felt by families for many years afterwards.
“Unfortunately you hear far more stories of families who have been left to pick up the pieces of family disputes, failed businesses and massive debt which can arise when a family member passes without proper estate planning.”
In what may be something of a local record the Condon Charles Estate Planning Team took instructions for over 50 individual Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney over 2 days at McConachie Stedman’s offices on 23 and 24 November.
Shane Charles said he hoped this would be the first of a series of Charity Wills Days the firm would undertake with other professional advisors around Toowoomba.
Any accounting or financial planning firms interested in a similar offer should contact Shane to discuss.
Successful Chamber Presidency draws to a close
At the 13 November 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Shane Charles will step down from his position as President.
This meeting will bring to a close a successful presidency that has built on the hard work of previous Presidents and the current board and staff to make some significant progress in the development of the Chamber and its operations.
Key achievements during Shane's presidency have included:
- Improving relationships with stakeholders
- Reinvigorating the Business Excellence Awards
- Assisting in raising awareness of economic development as a real issue
- Developing educational opportunities for members
- Providing a networking and educational vehicle for Future Leaders
- Improving members understanding of the future and implications of the Surat Basin
- Enhancing the quality of guest speakers
- Providing a more effective voice for business throughout the region
In a recent article on the Toowoomba Chronicle Chamber of Commerce Liftout Shane took the opportunity to thank his wife, Carmel, and children Lucy, Laura and Tom for putting up with the time demands of the position. Shane also thanked the members of Condon Charles for their support during this time.
Family Law practice establishes new firm
From 1 November 2009 the Condon Charles Family Law practice will be operating as a separate firm under the Best Wilson Family Law banner.
Current partners Shane Charles and Reagan Wilson have agreed to separate the firm so that each practice can better pursue its core client base.
Shane will continue to practice as Condon Charles Lawyers servicing the firm's mix of clients in the core commercial practice areas of Business, Property, Commercial Litigation and Wills & Estates.
Reagan Wilson, together with Kara Best (nee Elphinstone) will establish Best Wilson Family Law.
The new firm will be Toowoomba's only exclusively Family Law legal practice and will have the largest Family Law team in the region.
The partners and staff of the two firms share a close bond which will continue with both staff and client Christmas parties to remain joint events this year.
Shane and Reagan would like to thank their clients, staff and business associates for the support they have shown them during their partnership and look forward to toasting each other's success well into the future.
All current Family Law clients will receive further information regarding changes necessary for the transition to the new firm.
Development opportunities over breakfast
Condon Charles was pleased to sponsor a recent Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce breakfast forum tackling the issues around the future development of the Toowoomba region.
Moderated by Shane Charles, the forum included some of Toowoomba's business leaders and development experts including Dennis Wagner (Wagners), John Minz (Heritage Building Society), John Russell (Russell Mineral Equipment), John Dornbusch (Dornbusch Partners), Bill Sankey (Easternwell) and Michael McNab (McNab Construction).
Just a few of the highlights included:
- we're a long way from being out of the global financial crisis
- while many businesses are impacted the prospects for Toowoomba are good
- transportation (road, rail and air) is a critical issue for our region's development
- business is looking to the Council to take a greater role in regional development
As sponsor of the event Condon Charles also had the opportunity to speak about its services. Family Law Associate Kara Elphinstone represented the firm in this capacity. As well as outlining the firm's services Kara discussed the firm's commitment to working with business and individuals in the region's development, the strength and depth of legal services available here in Toowoomba and the recent creation of a litigation section within the firm.
Shane Charles appointed to Regional Development Advisory Group
Condon Charles Managing Partner Shane Charles was recently appointed as an inaugural member of the Toowoomba Regional Council's Regional Development Advisory Group.
This Group contains many of Toowoomba's most prominent business people and is intended to advise Council, businesses and the wider community on strategies to promote the continuing development of the Toowoomba Region.
The Group is currently awaiting the appointment of an independent chair before conducting its first meeting.
Condon Charles now offers litigation services
Condon Charles has responded to demand from our clients with the addition of a litigation practice to our firm.
Solicitor Chris Neville recently joined the firm and heads up the litigation practice. Chris comes to us with a wealth of experience in litigation and has particular expertise with local government and planning and environment matters.
For two years prior to joining Condon Charles Chris managed the litigation section of the Brisbane City Council.
More information on Chris can be found in his profile on the Our People page.
Condon Charles Says No to Violence
Shane Charles was recently presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the Toowoomba Says Not to Violence Committee.
The certificate was in recognition of Shane's commitment as a community champion by saying no to violence of any kind and raising the awareness of this important issue.
Shane said, "This campaign is a community driven initiative which aims to keep Toowoomba a safe, healthy and peaceful community."
"Both personally and through the firm I am pleased to be able to assist this important initiative."
If you're visiting our offices look out for future "Dressing Down Violence" days to be held in the near future.
Shane Charles receives the Certificate of Recognition
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