Jobs and Skills Showcase 2026 now open | New CEO Announced | Business Coaching Available | Upcoming local & online events and training | Grants & financial support + much more
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Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter!
This month, we are delighted to welcome James Collins as the new CEO.
Inside, you’ll find details on the Jobs and Skills Showcase, the Business Coaching Program, upcoming events, and a range of free training options—from cyber security to workplace safety. We also highlight funding opportunities, including drought support and research grants, plus practical tips to spring clean your business and explore responsible AI practices.
Whether you're looking to grow, connect, or innovate, there's something here for every business.
For any queries, feel free to contact us at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Exhibitor places for the 2026 Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase are now open!
Connect with local job seekers, network with businesses, promote opportunities, and support career development in Cardinia Shire. The Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase on 18 March 2026 at Cardinia Cultural Centre. Exhibitor pricing from $30 per table until 28 November 2025.
Cardinia Shire Council appoints new CEO
James Collins has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cardinia Shire Council. With over 15 years of executive leadership experience, including roles at City of Casey and Yarra Ranges Council, he brings a valuablea understanding of rural and urban community needs. Join us in congratulating James on his appointment.
Business Coaching Program
Local businesses are invited to participate in the free Business Coaching Program offered by Cardinia Shire Council. This program provides customised expert advice and individualised support from carefully selected coaches. Those taking part can take advantage of three one-on-one consultation sessions, receiving independent and confidential advice from industry experts.
Nominate now for Cardinia Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Awards!
Know someone making a difference or a group that ran a standout event?
Submit your nomination by midnight, Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Greening Cardinia Program
The Greening Cardinia program seeks to improve biodiversity on private and public land, and conserve habitat for threatened species. All works and projects must be within Cardinia Shire.
Racecourse Road Upgrade
For updates, visit Pakenham Road Upgrade page or contact Major Road Projects Victoria or subscribe at roadprojects.vic.gov.au/subscribe or text PKHM to 0499 073 073 for updates.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
Public Health in the South East: Understanding Challenges, Exploring Solutions
Join us at Federation University for the October Innovation Series event in collaboration with the South East Public Health Unit. Professor Dr Aziz Rahman will delve into the impact of tobacco and vaping use on young individuals, workplaces, and communities. Following the keynote address, a regional panel will discuss strategies for promoting healthier outcomes in Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday 7 October 2025
- Time: Breakfast arrival at 8:00am; Session from 8:30am to 9:45am
- Location: Federation University Berwick Campus – Building 902 – Room 161 (with an online attendance option available)
- RSVP via this link by COB Friday 3 October 2025. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or on-line when you register
Online training opportunities
New cyber security course to protect your supply chain
Australian small businesses face cyber security threats every day. Cyber Wardens new online course, ‘Level 3: Cyber-fit for the supply chain’, is designed to help small businesses. Enrol via Courses - Cyber Wardens
WorkSafe Victoria's free events
Health & Safety Month is here! This October, WorkSafe Victoria is hosting a range of interactive webinars tailored to the dangerous goods industry. Spots are filling fast – register today to secure your spot.
Supporting small businesses in Victoria and Tasmania
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers a suite of masterclasses designed to strengthen your small business knowledge. During these free online sessions, you will have the opportunity to speak with experienced tax officers, ask questions and gain insights tailored to your business needs. Register on the ATO website.
Agriculture Victoria - Farm workshops across Victoria
Agriculture Victoria are running group workshops and online sessions across the state to talk drought management with their partners. Visit their events page for dates, locations and sign-up details.
Digital Jobs program
The Digital Jobs program provides training to upskill leaders and workers in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with in-demand digital skills. Apply via the Business Victoria website. To find out more about the program, register for the upcoming Business Information Session on Wednesday, 12 November, at 11am. Register here
Business Events
WorkSafe Victoria - Tradies breakfast in Hallam
Come along for breakfast to Bowens Hallam on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, and hear from WorkSafe inspectors and health and safety experts on fall prevention (including timber guardrails and the latest scaffold tips), SWMS and silica. Register on the WorkSafe events page
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and financial support
2025 Drought Support
Any Victorian farmer can book a one-on-one session with a specialist from Agriculture Victoria's panel of farm advisors. Sessions are up to three hours and either face-to-face on-farm or online—plus a follow-up call. You can indicate your preferred consultants from their list of experienced advisors.
Funding for short-term, industry-led research collaborations
Round 18 of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects Grants is now open, offering up to $3 million in matched funding for industry-led research collaborations—SMEs are encouraged to apply by 7 October 2025 to drive innovation in robotics, automation, and beyond. Read more at business.gov.au
Ready to accelerate your agrifood tech startup?
The evoke AG Startup Program is back and is seeking applications from ground-breaking agrifood tech startups transforming, or set to transform, the global agricultural value chain. Read more on the evoke AG website.
Looking for business grants and programs? Discover government grants, funding, and support for Australian businesses with the business.gov.au grants and programs finder. Answer questions to find eligible programs.
Government programs and announcements
Fee relief for drought-affected farmers
The Victorian Government is waiving fees and duties for drought-affected Victorian farmers, delivering over $10M in relief to support cash flow and reduce business costs statewide.
Protecting the mental health of workers
Victoria introduces new workplace safety laws to address psychosocial hazards, such as bullying and harassment, ensuring mentally healthy environments from December 1 under updated OHS regulations.
Streamlining food safety regulation in Victoria
Have your say on the Victorian Government’s plans to make it simpler and easier for food businesses to grow and invest in Victoria.
Industry Growth Program
The program offers advisory services to startups and SMEs working on innovative projects aligned with the Australian Government's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation priority areas to enhance Australia's manufacturing capacity.
Employment news
Recent workplace relations changes
There are a number of significant changes to the laws governing the workplace that will affect the way employers conduct their small business.
Free resources to upskill & retain kinder workforce
The Victorian Government is giving early kinder teachers and educators a new one-stop shop for professional development – helping them deliver safe, high-quality kindergarten education.
Apprenticeship support and advice
The Apprentice Helpdesk offers free, expert support for employers, apprentices and trainees. Whether your question is about training contracts, wages, safety, progression or more, the Helpdesk is just a phone call or email away.
Employers – Invitation for you to participate in Job Quality Focus Group
Australian Catholic University are seeking the views of businesses on how to create ‘good’ quality jobs in Australia, with the aspiration of providing more ‘good work’ opportunities for a wider group of Australians. The research, funded by the Australian Research Council and partners, aims to fill a gap in employer perspectives on job quality.
Business operations and support initiatives
6 ways to spring clean your small business
Spring cleaning is a big focus this time of year, so why not take some time to give your business a once-over? There are lots of ways you can refresh your business and ensure you’re running as efficiently as possible.
US tariffs: Stay up to date
The United States has announced changes to tariffs on imports from Australia. Austrade has information to help you understand what's changed, including a webinar series.
Discover your responsible AI maturity
Responsible artificial intelligence (AI) is a strategic advantage for businesses. You can discover your responsible AI maturity with the new Responsible AI Self-Assessment Tool for Australian businesses.
Set up a market stall
Understand your legal obligations when you're running a market stall, and learn why it's important to follow the food safety standards if you sell food.
Does your small business have unclaimed money?
Small businesses may hold unclaimed money that needs to be collected by its rightful owner. It could be unpresented cheques, unclaimed wages or salaries, or rent and bond refunds.
Is it time to refresh your business brand?
Rebranding can help you reach new customers, stay competitive, and reflect your business’s evolving values. But a rebrand is more than just a new logo – it’s a strategic and planned overhaul of many aspects of your business. Business.gov.au has outlined 5 tasks you should consider during a rebrand.
Is it time to refresh your business brand? | business.gov.au
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
