Local news | Council Plan feedback | Economic snapshot | Coaching program | Training and events | Grants and financial support | Government announcements and much more...
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Welcome to the August Edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter!
As we step into a new financial year, this edition is packed with valuable updates, opportunities, and resources to support you, our local business community. From strategic planning consultations and infrastructure upgrades to tailored business coaching and training workshops, there’s something for everyone.
We spotlight the draft Council Plan 2025–29 and the updated Liveability Plan 2017–29—your chance to help shape the future of Cardinia Shire. You’ll also find insights into the latest wage changes, new “Right to Disconnect” laws, and upcoming events and workshops.
Whether you're looking to grow your business, improve operations, explore export opportunities, or simply stay informed, this newsletter is your go-to guide. Let’s continue building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient business community together.
If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Council Plan 2025-29 and updated Liveability Plan 2017-29
The Council seeks community feedback on the draft Council Plan 2025–29 and updated Liveability Plan 2017–29 in the final phase of consultation. The Council Plan guides decision-making, aligns with the Community Vision, strategic objectives, and addresses challenges. Feedback is requested on the Liveability Plan to enhance liveability and wellbeing through local partnerships. Consultation ends on 19 August.
Cardinia economy, jobs, and business insights
Did you know that REMPLAN Economy offers tools to analyse industries and businesses accurately? It aids in decision-making for living, working, and investing. Supports strategy, funding submissions, marketing your region, investment attraction, site selection, and communications.
Business Coaching Program
Did you know that Cardinia Shire's local businesses have the opportunity to enrol in the council's free Business Coaching Program?
This program provides personalised guidance and assistance from handpicked coaches. Businesses can receive three free 1-hour coaching sessions along with expert feedback on a wide variety of topics.
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
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
The Business Plan Accelerator Workshop will take place on 11 and 12 September at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to accelerate the development of a business plan to support individual business objectives.
Online training opportunities
Webinars
- Tuesday 5 August: Small business guide to right to disconnect laws webinar.
- Thursday 7 August: Navigating US tariffs: trade credit insurance
- Thursday 7 August: Increase your Website Traffic (and Sales)
- Friday 8 August: Market spotlight: India insights
- Tuesday 12 August: Starting your small business webinar.
- Tuesday 12 August: Market spotlight: Aotearoa New Zealand
- Wednesday 13 August: Working or employing in the Horticulture industry—lessons from the FWO’s Horticulture Strategy
- Thursday 14 August: India: seizing the ECTA opportunity for agrifood companies
- Thursday 14 August: Market spotlight: Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
- Friday 15 August: Selling your products and services online.
- Monday 18 August: Goods and Services Tax webinar
- Tuesday 19 August: Ability Ag Support Webinar Series
- Wednesday 20 August: Smarter finance—know your break-even point.
- Tuesday 26 August: Strengthen your Small Business Cyber Security
- Friday 5 September: TikTok—Secrets to Success
- Tuesday 9 September: Ability Ag Support Webinar Series
- Monday 22 September: Hiring and paying workers webinar
Online self-paced learning
Business events
AI Masterclass
Attend this free event and learn how real businesses are using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others to save hours every day—without sacrificing quality, leadership, or a human touch.
Date: Thursday 21 August, 11am to 1:30pm
Venue: NBN Co, Docklands, Melbourne
Retail Show Australia 2025
Explore cutting-edge innovations like AI, big data analysis, and IoT, transforming retail. Discover omnichannel strategies, store design concepts, and cold-chain technologies for perishable goods freshness.
Dates: October 3-5
Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
More information on events and training opportunities can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and financial support
Tax Time Toolkit
The ATO has a Tax Time Toolkit for small businesses that has useful information, guides, and tools to help them stay informed and organised this tax time.
Backing the heart Of agriculture through grants
The Victorian Government has opened applications for the 2025 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program, offering up to $10,000 per grant to support infrastructure upgrades and community engagement projects across Victoria’s agricultural societies.
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
Victorian Prefabricated Construction Directory
The Victorian Prefabricated Construction Directory features innovative businesses offering prefabricated projects in Victoria. It helps builders, developers, councils, and the community find manufacturers for their construction needs by showcasing products and capabilities of each business.
RUOK?
Asking the question, 'are you OK?' can make a real impact in the workplace. As employers or staff, we can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question. Besides the legal responsibility of providing a safe and healthy workplace, these conversations can make a real difference to staff going through a tough time.
Employment news
Horticulture compliance report
This month Fair Work Ombudsman released a report showing mixed levels of compliance across 15 regional hotspots. You can read the report, as well find our key tools and resources for the horticulture sector by visiting our Horticulture Showcase.
Watch the Fair Work Ombudsman, Anna Booth, discussing the report findings, and if you’re employing in the sector register now for our webinar on the key lessons and info, tools and resources we have to support the industry.
Minimum wages have increased
The National Minimum Wage and all minimum award wages increased from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025.
Watch the video for more information about the 2024-25 Annual Wage Review and what it means for you and your employees: 2024-25 Annual Wage Review
Right to disconnect for small business
Starting from 26 August 2025, the laws granting the right to disconnect will apply to small business employers and their employees, specifically those working in businesses with fewer than 15 employees.
Fair Work has created a series of videos to help small businesses get ready for the changes. You can also join the free webinar as Fair Work explains the new laws and provides you with practical tips to help you navigate the change in your workplace.
Are you hiring employees?
Job ads must comply with regulations, including the Fair Work Act. Avoid unfair pay rates in job postings to adhere to the law. Fair Work Ombudsman monitors and enforces compliance online.
Have you had a chance to explore Ability Agriculture?
Ability Agriculture empowers farmers with disabilities by raising awareness and creating opportunities for them in the agricultural sector. The website showcases videos where workers share their personal stories, complemented by advice from occupational therapists on modifying farms and equipment to cater to individuals of all abilities.
Business operations and support initiatives
1 in 5 Australians experience mental health issues
A new report by Beyond Blue has found that 4.5 million Australians are experiencing mental health issues. Download the report.
10 resources and services to help small business owners
These 10 resources and services from the Australian Government are here to help you improve your operations, protect your business, stay informed, and understand your obligations as a business owner.
Top 5 tips to manage export risks effectively
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry's top 5 tips to help you strengthen your export strategies and manage risks effectively.
4 ways to find fresh content marketing ideas
Business Victoria has made it to the start of the new financial year with 4 ways to help you get started on your content marketing strategy.
Increase your sales through marketing
Business Victoria has got the resources to help you restart your marketing efforts or optimise your existing campaigns. More on marketing.
8 tips to improve your online sales
Business Victoria has 8 tips to help you get online and increase your sales during the busiest periods of the year.
Managing risks in the office
WorkSafe Victoria has a guide on how to identify and eliminate hazards in any office. Download the guide
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
