In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matthew Galea sits down with local business owner Anthony Cerchiara, founder of Golden Goose Finance.

Anthony shares his journey from working at a Big Four bank to launching his own finance business in his early 30s. We dive into:

• What it takes to back yourself and start a business from scratch.
• How word-of-mouth and client referrals fuelled Golden Goose’s growth.
• The creative approach Anthony takes to branding and marketing in the finance industry.
• Big changes in the market for first home buyers and business owners dealing with tax debt.
• His ties to the Essendon Royals, where he still plays socially, and his connection to the Silent Sight Foundation.

Anthony’s story highlights the courage, creativity, and community spirit that drives entrepreneurship in Moonee Valley.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Connect with Golden Goose Finance:
Website: https://www.goldengoosefinance.com.au
Email: anthony@goldengoosefinance.com.au

Stephen Simone from the Silent Sight Foundation returns to Moonee Valley Voices as our very first repeat guest.

This time, Stephen shares the story behind Street Classica, a huge event coming to Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds on 21 September. With the street shut down and filled with prestige cars, family activities, special guests and entertainment, the day is about much more than cars — it’s about raising awareness and funds for Usher Syndrome.

In this episode, we cover:

• The inspiration behind Street Classica and what to expect on the day
• How the event is helping raise awareness of Usher Syndrome
• The community and business support that’s made it possible
• How locals can get involved — from volunteering to raffle tickets

👉 Learn more about Silent Sight Foundation: https://www.silentsight.org/

👉 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2558470847843162

👉 Buy raffle tickets: https://www.raffletix.com.au/streetclassica2025

Moonee Valley Voices is proudly produced by Content Hype in Moonee Ponds, shining a light on the people and stories of our community.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with lifelong Moonee Valley local and Marketing & Brand Strategist Rosie Lo Grasso from ideapro.

Rosie shares her journey from running her own fashion label and navigating corporate marketing, to co-founding ideapro with her husband Anthony – a business built on the belief that branding goes far deeper than just a logo.

We talk about:

• Rosie’s path through retail, fashion, and corporate marketing before joining Anthony in ideapro
• The lessons she learned from her first business (including a hard truth about deposits)
• Why branding is more than colours and logos – and how consistency, customer understanding, and clarity set great businesses apart
• How ideapro helps local businesses in Moonee Valley and beyond to uncover their unique identity and connect with their ideal customers
• Rosie’s love for the Moonee Valley community, from school runs and local sport to favourite spots like Mister Hoffman, Perry’s, Little Sister, Tookaiya, and Classe 90

Rosie also shines a light on some local businesses she’s proud to have supported, including Thriving Wealth and Bridesmaids Dressing Room, (check out our episodes with John and Aneta) showing how strong branding and implementation can transform a business.

This episode is packed with practical branding insights and local flavour – perfect for business owners who want to build a brand that truly resonates.

Steve Alessio’s name is well known to Essendon fans — a premiership player, ruckman, and one of the characters of the Bombers’ golden era. But his story doesn’t stop at the final siren.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, Steve joins host Matthew Galea to reflect on his journey from growing up locally and breaking into the AFL, to being part of the legendary 2000 premiership team. He shares what it was like to play through the game’s shift to full professionalism, the leadership lessons he carried from the field into his career, and how those experiences shaped his approach to building relationships in business.

That focus on connection is at the heart of Business Essendon, the networking group Steve co-founded with Jordan Leask. We discuss why it’s become such a powerful space for local business owners, how it blends genuine connection with practical opportunities, and the parallels Steve sees between great teams and great networks.

Whether you’re a footy fan, a local business owner, or simply someone who values strong community connections, you’ll enjoy this relaxed and insightful chat.

In this National Volunteer Week special of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matthew Galea brings together two of SES Essendon’s longest-serving volunteers - Justin Navas, Volunteer Unit Commander, and John Bates, Unit Controller - to celebrate 50 years of VICSES and explore the heartbeat of community resilience.

Episode Highlights:

• Origins & Roles: Justin and John share how they found their calling in SES and the unique leadership responsibilities they hold.
• Evolution Over 50 Years: Discover how VICSES has grown from grassroots beginnings in 1975 to a modern emergency-response force.
• Behind the Call-Outs: Vivid anecdotes of major flood and storm responses, including joint efforts with Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and even local AFL players.
• Volunteer Culture: Insights into recruitment, training pipelines and the camaraderie that keeps 41 volunteers ready 24/7.
• Wear Orange Wednesday: What it means to “turn the town orange,” host community events and amplify gratitude with #ThankYouSES.
• Get Involved: Step-by-step advice on signing up, hosting a WOW Day morning tea or pitching in with fundraising and equipment drives.
• Valley Faves: A light-hearted rapid-fire round uncovering the best cafés, parks and hidden gems in Moonee Valley.

Whether you’re considering signing up as a volunteer or simply want to learn how SES protects our streets and waterways, this episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiring stories and a genuine celebration of community spirit.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube.

In this engaging episode of Moonee Valley Voices, Matthew Galea chats with Natalie Piscopo, founder and director of StellaFortis Consulting (formerly VCJ Recruitment) and Disability Network Coordinator at CoCo Support Services. Natalie shares her inspiring personal and professional journey, discusses the critical importance of quality recruitment in allied health and disability sectors, and offers practical insights into navigating the complexities of the NDIS.

Discover Natalie's unique approach to building genuine relationships in business, her passion for supporting local communities, and valuable tips on selecting the right disability support providers. Natalie also discusses recent NDIS funding changes and their impact on service delivery.

*Important Note:* Since recording this episode, Natalie's recruitment business has rebranded from VCJ Recruitment to StellaFortis Consulting. Visit https://www.stellafortis.com.au/ or follow @stellafortisconsulting https://www.instagram.com/stellafortisconsulting on Instagram.

*Chapter Markers:*
- 00:00:09 - Introduction and Welcome
- 00:00:56 - Natalie’s Background and Career Journey
- 00:04:13 - Transition to Allied Health and Disability Recruitment
- 00:06:00 - Working with Local Moonee Valley Businesses
- 00:07:07 - Navigating NDIS Challenges and Provider Shortages
- 00:09:29 - Tips on Finding Reputable NDIS Providers
- 00:12:09 - Recommended Local Disability Support Services
- 00:15:18 - In-demand Allied Health Roles (Speech Pathology & OT)
- 00:16:42 - Moving Back to Moonee Valley Community
- 00:18:36 - Growing a Business and Recruitment Strategies
- 00:22:33 - Adapting to NDIS Changes (October 2024)
- 00:27:38 - Importance of Personality Matching in Recruitment
- 00:30:13 - Quick-fire Moonee Valley Favourites (Cafés, Restaurants, Sports Clubs)
- 00:32:05 - Where to Connect with Natalie

*Enjoy the episode and don't forget to subscribe to Moonee Valley Voices!*

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matthew Galea sits down with Samantha Byrne, a proud local who has been elected onto the local council three times.

Together, we discussed growing up in Moonee Valley, her eventual interest in local government and how council elections have changed across COVID and beyond.

We explore the complexities of the Victorian Government’s Activity Centres Program and the community feedback she has received.

Sam offers her personal perspective (not Council-endorsed) on the challenges ahead, including how increased housing density might strain local infrastructure like schools, parks, and sporting clubs.

Plus, we wrap up with Sam’s favourite local haunts for coffee, dinner, and a peaceful stroll.

Whether you’re a resident concerned about planning changes or simply love hearing from the people shaping our community, this is an episode not to miss.

DISCLAIMER: Samantha Byrne appeared on the Moonee Valley Voices podcast in a personal capacity. The views that she expressed on the podcast are not Council-endorsed and are not reflective of the opinions of Moonee Valley City Council or her fellow Councillors. Any queries about Moonee Valley City Council matters can be directly addressed with Council or Councillors via phone, email or online forms.

How do you build a thriving business network in Moonee Valley?

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Jordan Leask, a highly experienced commercial leader, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Business Essendon—a network dedicated to helping local business owners connect, collaborate, and grow.

Jordan shares his journey from corporate sales and partnerships in sports and entertainment to launching a business consultancy and creating a relationship-first business network for the North-West Melbourne region.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why networking isn’t just about transactions—but relationships
✅ How Business Essendon is creating new opportunities for local business owners
✅ The biggest B2B opportunities in Moonee Valley right now
✅ Lessons from Jordan’s career at Etihad Stadium, Essendon Football Club & TIXSTAR
✅ How to approach networking strategically to get real business results

If you’re a business owner looking to expand your network, gain insights from an industry leader, and discover new ways to grow, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

📢 Listen Now & Connect with Business Essendon: https://businessessendon.com.au/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-essendon
@businessendon on Instagram
📩 info@businessessendon.com.au

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from Moonee Valley’s business leaders!

#MooneeValleyVoices #BusinessNetworking #LocalBusiness #MooneeValley #Entrepreneurship