AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants

18/06/2026

The Government has announced further detail on its proposed tax reforms, providing greater clarity around a number of measures announced in the Federal Budget. Key updates include:

• Additional CGT concessions for eligible small businesses and innovative start-ups.
• A proposed exemption for genuine testamentary discretionary trusts from the minimum 30% trust tax.
• Retention of concessional treatment for charitable capital gains donations.

We've updated our articles to explain what these announcements could mean:
Proposed CGT changes to reshape taxation of capital gains from 2027: https://www.afsbendigo.com.au/proposed-cgt-changes-to-reshape-taxation-of-capital-gains-from-2027/
Proposed 30% tax on discretionary trusts explained: https://www.afsbendigo.com.au/proposed-30-tax-on-discretionary-trusts-explained/

While these announcements provide greater clarity, all measures remain proposed only and will require legislation to pass Parliament before becoming law.

If you have questions about how the proposed changes could affect your business operations or structure, our team is here to help.

16/06/2026

The Reserve Bank of Australia has left cash rate target unchanged at 4.35%.

06/06/2026

We recently welcomed Judo Bank to provide our team with an insightful economic and Federal Budget update.

The session explored the factors currently influencing the market, proposed changes from the Federal Budget and the outlook for small and medium businesses.

A valuable opportunity to build our knowledge and stay informed of the dynamic market!

05/06/2026

We are closed on Monday! Our office will reopen on Tuesday 9 June.

05/06/2026

Happy International Donut Day! Thank you

04/06/2026

We’re proud to celebrate a significant milestone for our CEO, Kate Mannix, who has been awarded Fellowship with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Fellowship is one of the highest honours within the profession. It recognises members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional achievement, and a long-term commitment to advancing accounting and contributing to their community.

Kate’s career spans nearly three decades, including senior roles across both public practice and the corporate sector, before returning to Bendigo in 2008 to join us at AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants. She has played a pivotal role in shaping our firm’s direction.

As CEO since 2017, Kate has led sustained growth and transformation across the business, expanding our team, strengthening our service offering, and supporting more than 5,000 clients across central Victoria.

Beyond AFS, Kate contributes extensively to the broader business community through her roles with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bendigo Health Foundation. She is also actively involved in local sport and community organisations.

This recognition reflects Kate’s commitment to excellence in the profession, regional leadership, and meaningful community impact.

Please join us in congratulating Kate on this incredible achievement!

26/05/2026

Thank you to Connecting Futures Australia for visiting our office again this week with another fantastic group of participants.

Our team shared practical insights around job interviews, tax and superannuation and participated in engaging discussion and activities throughout the session.

We appreciate the important work Connecting Futures Australia does in helping build confidence, skills and future opportunities for NDIS participants.

21/05/2026

Today our team attended the Tomorrow Bound Careers Expo hosted by Bendigo TAFE at Red Energy Arena Bendigo.

It was great to connect with so many local students and chat about the different career pathways available in the accounting industry.

We always enjoy supporting opportunities that help showcase the range of careers available right here in regional Victoria!

19/05/2026

Volunteers are at the heart of so many community organisations, events and support services.

As part of National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, we’re highlighting just some of the organisations we work with that are supported by dedicated volunteers making a meaningful impact!

Thank you to every volunteer helping create stronger, more connected communities. If you’re interested in volunteering in Bendigo and surrounds, please visit www.bgovolunteers.org.au

15/05/2026

Join us in The Push-Up Challenge, supporting Lifeline Loddon Mallee!

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/home?lightbox=/register-select

💙 Welcome to The Push‑Up Challenge, AFS! 💙
AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants
We’re thrilled to welcome AFS as participants in this year’s Push‑Up Challenge, with team members from across all levels getting involved to support mental health in our region.

Pictured are Lachie Thomas, an intern currently in AFS’s Business Services team taking part in their two‑year rotation program, alongside Adrian Downing, a Partner of 17 years in Audit & Assurance — a great example of leadership, teamwork, and commitment to community wellbeing.

“We’re taking on The Push‑Up Challenge to help shine a light on mental health and support Lifeline Loddon Mallee, who provide vital help for people in our community when they need it most.”

We sincerely thank AFS for standing with us, helping raise awareness, and supporting the lifesaving work we do every day across the Loddon Mallee region.

To sign up for the challenge please visit:

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/register-select/?utm_term=lifeline-37