A Message from the Chief Executive

Welcome to the first AC newsletter of 2016 year which started at a blistering pace.

With the recent CEO transition, I am acting in the role of CEO until the recruitment process is completed in the coming months.

Top of the agenda is the review of the 8+8 Infrastructure and Policy initiatives with our partners.

This review will position us positively with respect to contributing to the landmark Australian National Infrastructure Plan recently released, as well as the Northern Australia Plan.

These overarching plans and our sharp focus are already delivering great results such as Cairns Airport Freight Infrastructure project, the Hann Highway commitment and the Nullinga Dam Feasibility Study.

We await news on the Pacific Patrol Boat Program with tender announcements scheduled for April-May but continue to advocate in the interim, reminding those of influence how important such a contract is to the region.

Adding to our busy start to the year, we jointly hosted the Prime Minister's visit to Cairns, with 600 community members in attendance and later this week welcome Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia to Cairns for a roundtable breakfast with key priority partners and site visit of HMAS Cairns.

With the recent announcement of the new Turnbull Ministry, we have extended an invitation to Senator Matt Canavan, the new Minister for Northern Australia to visit the region and our Chair, in conjunction with Cairns Chamber of Commerce, will be conducting a parliament visit late February to highlight the regional priorities.

Rob Giason
Acting CEO

Advance Cairns Trade and Investment Event Series

Tues 23rd February - Hilton Hotel, Cairns

Advance Cairns and Austrade are proud to present the opportunity to join Malcolm Watkinson, Associate Director of Efic, and Linda Brandt, Senior Grants Auditor of Austrade's Export Market Development Grant, for an Export Finance briefing. 

Whether you are currently exporting or seeking to expand internationally, the briefing will provide you with essential insights into export finance solutions. 

Efic supports SMEs that are exporting or involved in an export supply chain. Learn how Efic may be able to help your business access the finance it needs to win more business, grow internationally and achieve export success.

The Australian Government's key financial assistance program, Export Marketing Development Grant supports exporters across all industry sectors, including the export of intellectual property and know-how, as well as inbound tourism.

To pre-arrange an individual meeting with a speaker, please contact:

Efic: Christine Reizner, Advance Cairns on 4080 2904 or edo2@advancecairns.com

EMDG: Judy Noller, Tradestart, on 4037 3232 or judy.noller@tiq.qld.gov.au

RSVP: Monday 22nd February 2016

To book, CLICK HERE

2016 Local Government Election Debate Luncheon

Tues 1st March 2016 - Shangri-la Hotel, Ballroom (12pm - 2pm)

Advance Cairns , the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland invite you to hear from our Local Government Mayoral candidate’s first-hand about the policies and commitments each candidate proposes as part of their election campaign at our 2016 Local Government Election Debate luncheon.

The luncheon will function in a manner similar to the ABC’s Q&A program. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to submit one question to be asked of all the candidates invited to speak. This will be conducted during the Q&A time during the second half of the luncheon.

As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to submit one question to be asked of all the candidates invited to speak. This will be conducted during the Q&A time during the second half of the luncheon.

This is one event not to be missed. Get your tickets now!   BOOK NOW

Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia - Consultation Sessions

The Australian Government’s White Paper on Developing Northern Australian announced the establishment of a $75 million Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia.

The CRC will assist businesses, governments and researchers to work together to identify opportunities for business and growth in the north.

Mr John Wharton AM, Interim Chair of the CRC, is conducting open consultation sessions with interested stakeholders and participants in Cairns on Friday 4th March 2016. 

Registration for the sessions is now open at www.business.gov.au/NorthernAustraliaCRC.

Australia Week in China

11-15 April 2016

Austrade is expected to lead an Australian Government trade, education, investment and tourism mission to China in April 2016, as part of the second Australia Week in China (AWIC).

AWIC 2016 will highlight commercial opportunities underpinned by the rise of an affluent middle class and the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). About 10 cities are expected to be included in the program including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Shenyang.

For more information and to express interest visit www.austrade.gov.au/awic2016

National Stronger Regions Fund - Applications Open

Applications Close Tues 15th March
Applications for NSRF Round Three are now open. This program seeks to fund investment ready projects which support economic growth and sustainability of regions across Australia, by supporting investment in priority infrastructure.
A total funding pool of $1 billion is available over five years from 2015-16. MORE INFO.

Industry Skills Fund

The Industry Skills Fund is supporting business owners to train themselves and their staff to capture a growth opportunity.

Businesses operating in Northern Australia (North of Tropic of Capricorn) may be reimbursed the following amounts towards the cost of accredited or non-accredited training:

• Micro, Small and Medium Businesses (0-199 FTE Employees) - businesses may be reimbursed 75%
• Large Business (200+ FTE Employees) – businesses may be reimbursed 50%

Additionally, businesses are also able to access free skills advice to help understand the training requirements to best position their business for growth, with Skills Advisors located across North Queensland. MORE INFO.

CEDA Live stream 2016 Economic & Political Overview

Thursday 18th February 2016 10.10am QLD Time

CEDA welcomes you to join our first live stream for 2016, the launch of our annual publication and event series the Economic and Political Overview (EPO).

Ahead of this year’s Federal Election, CEDA’s EPO will deliver a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s political and economic developments and trends.  MORE INFO

Eclipse Week in Cairns

15-21 February

Ingham born Dr Kate Russo – Author, Psychologist, Eclipse Chaser – has returned to the Cairns region to share eclipse news, before chasing the next total solar eclipse in Indonesia on 9 March 2016. ‘Eclipse Week’ will run from 15-21 February, and will include workshops, lectures and a social gathering.

All events require pre-registration.  For full details can be found on Kate’s website www.beingintheshadow.com and Facebook at Beingintheshadow. MORE INFO.

How to Handle Employee Misconduct

Wed 2nd March - Williams Graham Carman

This seminar on How to handle employee misconduct has been specifically designed for small business and not-for-profit entities and will be presented by John Hayward, Partner and Jessika Reghenzani. MORE INFO

Conflict Resolution Made Easy - Workshop

Fri 4th March - Cairns Harbour Lights

Whether you help others to settle disputes or are in the middle of a conflict yourself, this program is all about actions you can take to move through this process much more easily. Presented by Ken Warren BA, M Soc Sc, CSP who is a Relationships Specialist who helps teams to perform at their very best. MORE INFO.

International Women's Day Breakfast 2016

Tues 8th March - Rydges Tradewinds

Celebrate women and their achievements, with guest speaker LCDR Ange Googe. MORE INFO

NQ Social Procurement Forum and Market Day

Thurs 10th March - Cairns Convention Centre

This event will also provide a market forum for a wide variety of social enterprise to showcase their products and services, interact and create networks with Queensland Government buyers and contract managers. CCIQ of are seeking expressions of interest from a wide range of social enterprises wishing to participate in the event. It is FREE to have an exhibition stall. MORE INFO.

FNQ Training Awards 2016

Closes Thurs 31st March

The search is on for Far North Queensland’s top training achievers, with nominations now open for the 2016 Far North Queensland Training Awards.

Nominations are open to:
• apprentices, trainees, vocational students, and school-based apprentices or trainees

• teachers and trainers in vocational education and training

• training providers, employers and organisations that are delivering innovative training initiatives for Queenslanders.

MORE INFO

Avoiding Unfair Dismissals and Claims

Fri 22 April - Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Cairns

This workshop will provide you with the skills to confidently follow the legislative framework when you’re placed in the position to make workplace changes. Delegates will receive free resources to support you in this process. MORE INFO

Chinese Business Delegation 2016

1-5 May - Guangzhou, China

Register your Expression of Interest to attend the Chinese Business Delegation 2016. Before entering the Chinese business market, there are a number of factors to take into account including culture, politics and business etiquette. With this in mind the Cairns Chamber of Commerce have designed a delegation to assist companies to familiarise themselves with local market conditions and culture, and to obtain trade opportunities through tailored business matching. MORE INFO

32nd Australia PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo

15-17 May 2016 - Cairns Convention Centre

The 32nd Australia PNG Business Forum & Trade Expo will be held in Cairns 15-17 May 2016.  Early bird registrations are now open.
For more information and registration CLICK HERE

Small Business - We're all in this Together

16-21 May 2016 - Qld Small Business Week

The office of the Member for Cairns, Rob Pyne, is working alongside CCIQ to launch a major campaign with huge prizes for Cairns consumers who “support small.”

97% of Cairns businesses are small businesses and a campaign of this type has the potential to provide a multi-million dollar stimulus to the engine room of Cairns’ economy.

The initiative has the support of the Queensland Government and the Cairns Regional Council.    Any business groups, shopping centres, industry associations or small businesses who want to receive updates can email: hello@smallbusinesscairns.com.au or by following https://www.facebook.com/supportsmallwinbig/

READ MORE

Not an Advance Cairns Member? Join Today

If you are interested in becoming a member of Advance Cairns, simply EMAIL our office and we will organise for one of our Board Directors to meet with you personally discuss ways in which we can work together to build a sustainable and prosperous TNQ.