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May 2026
The May edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter brings together a strong mix of opportunities, insights and practical support to help local businesses grow, adapt and plan ahead.
From having your say on Council’s 2026–27 Draft Budget to accessing free business coaching, Lean Business workshops and major regional events, there are plenty of ways to get involved. This issue also highlights new grants, mentoring programs and training options, alongside important government and regulatory updates to help manage rising costs, compliance changes and workforce needs.
Whether you’re looking to build capability, improve resilience or explore new markets, this month’s update is designed to support your next steps.
Dive in and take action on what matters most for your business this season. If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Have your say on our Draft Budget and Rating and Revenue Plan
Our Draft Budget outlines how we plan to invest in local services, infrastructure and community wellbeing over the next year. It includes funding for roads, facilities, parks, arts, health services and more.
The Draft Rating and Revenue Plan looks at how rates are shared across property types, without raising total rates collected. You're invited to review the proposed changes and have their say.
Committee to shape Cardinia Shire's food and agribusiness future
Council has appointed 10 community representatives to its newly formed Food and Agribusiness Advisory Committee to help guide the future of the shire’s food and agribusiness sector.
Do you need a business coach?
Local businesses are invited to join Council’s Business Coaching Program to receive tailored expert guidance and personalised support from matched coaches.
Transform your future
The Cardinia Lean Business Series 2026 gives you practical tools and strategies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and build resilience in a rapidly changing economy.
Staff spotlight: Sid Verma
Sid joined Cardinia Shire Council in 2025 as an Investment Attraction Officer. In this role, Sid focuses on supporting sustainable economic growth by attracting investment that aligns with Council’s strategic priorities around strengthening the local economy.
As a local resident, Sid brings a community-centered perspective and collaborates with teams to promote Cardinia Shire as an investment hub. He is passionate about creating jobs, supporting businesses, and fostering positive community outcomes through his work. Sid values collaboration and enjoys turning ideas into reality across Council.
Outside of work, Sid enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and keeping up with trends in business and economic development.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
ATO Masterclass: Supporting small businesses
The ATO’s online resource: 'Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business' offers free, professional courses designed to help small businesses build knowledge in tax, superannuation, and business management. Find a course.
Digital Trust: AI and Cyber Security
Wednesday, 20 May - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Join Federation University Australia and the City of Casey for an Innovation Series event in Berwick, created to help local businesses navigate the rapidly changing world of AI and cybersecurity. Secure your place.
Free webinar: Business Renewables Buying Group
Thursday 21 May - 11am - 12pm
Find out how your business can access affordable renewable electricity by joining a group of Victorian businesses buying together. Now in its fourth year, the BRBG has helped organisations like Carlton FC and Blackmores make the switch. Free online webinar, 21 May 2026. Register now
Online training opportunities
Mentoring and support for electrical workers
Solar Victoria offers subsidised technical mentoring and free webinars to help Victorian electrical businesses build skills with solar, batteries and EV chargers. Support is delivered on‑site or online, helping businesses improve compliance, confidence and capability to meet growing clean energy demand. Find out more
Submitting Quality Employer Nominations and Visa Applications
19 May — 21 May — 25 May — 27 May
This webinar is targeted at Australian business employers with the aim to
improve the quality of employer nominations and visa applications lodged for the
a range of visa programs. Book now
Business Victoria online
Learn new skills to start, build and grow your small business by attending a Business Victoria workshop or webinar:
- Generating Cash Flow: Monday 4 May, 6pm - 8pm
- Maximising Your Marketing: Wednesday 6 May, 10am - 12pm
- Taking Your Business Online: Thursday 7 May, 1pm - 4pm
- Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online: Tuesday 12 May, 1pm - 4pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing: Wednesday 13 May, 1pm - 4pm
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders: Friday 15 May, 10am - 12pm
- Cyber Security: Tuesday 19 May, 10am - 12pm
- Starting Your Small Business: Monday 25 May, 6pm - 9pm
- Maximising Your Marketing: Tuesday 26 May, 1pm - 3pm
- Generating Cash Flow: Monday 1 June, 6pm - 8pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing: Tuesday 2 June, 6pm - 9pm
Business events
Proven techniques for effective on-farm decision-making
26 May - Meeniyan
This workshop provides a proven and practical approach to managing competing priorities so you can make better decisions, rebuild your resilience and capacity and adapt your business to recover from drought and other challenges. Click for more details.
More information on training, workshops and events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and assistance programs
Economic Resilience Program
The Australian Government introduced a $1 billion Economic Resilience Program to aid manufacturing and logistics businesses facing market disruptions.
It provides zero‑interest loans to manage costs, recover from disruption, and enhance supply chains like freight, fuel, fertiliser, and plastics. Smaller businesses can apply through banks starting April 20, 2026; larger ones apply directly via the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
Grower Funding is back and now available!
Are you a levy-paying Australian fruit, vegetable or nut grower planning to attend Hort Connections 2026 in Adelaide?
You can apply for a reimbursement of up to $1,250 for interstate growers, or $750 for South Australian-based growers, to assist with attendance, flights and accommodation.
What is the Savings Finder?
Savings Finder is a free Victorian Government online tool that helps you find rebates, discounts and benefits you may be eligible for. Answer a few simple questions for a personalised list of savings across energy, transport, health, education and more.
Energy Resilience Community Fund
This program aims to support education, awareness, and literacy programs to help build and strengthen community energy resilience and to help communities prepare for and recover from a severe weather event or outage.
BizGivers small business grant
This program aims to recognise the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment that small business owners invest in their dreams.
Looking for business grants?
Cardinia Shire Council Grant Finder is a free tool that consolidates grants from the Australian Government, Victorian Government, and Cardinia Shire Council. Filter grants by organisation type, sector, and needed support for relevant funding. Register to get email alerts for new grants, save favourites, and access application tips.
Government announcements
Middle East response
The Australian Government is taking steps to support businesses during the conflict in the Middle East. Read the latest information on new interest-free loans, fuel supply, supply chain issues, export impacts, shipping and where you can get support.
Fuel cost recovery: Road transport order issued
New Fair Work fuel cost recovery rules are now in effect from 21 April 2026, requiring road transport businesses to regularly adjust and pass on rate increases so contractors and drivers are compensated for rising fuel prices.
Do fuel costs play a role in your business?
Eligible businesses can access temporary Australian Taxation Office support, including flexible payment plans and relief from interest and penalties.
Biosecurity Update for Tomato Potato Psyllid
From 1 April 2026, Agriculture Victoria is changing the way that it processes applications for accreditations relating to tomato potato psyllid (TPP)
Changes to card payment costs and surcharges
The Reserve Bank of Australia is making card payments simpler. From Thursday 1 October 2026, card surcharges will end. To reduce the overall cost of payments for business, payment fees will be lowered and capped. Providers will also need to clearly show their fees to help businesses compare deals.
Reminder: SMS rules are changing on 1 July 2026
The way businesses send branded text messages is changing. From 1 July 2026, texts sent with an organisation’s name at the top of a message (known as a branded sender ID) will need to register with the new SMS Sender ID Register.
Employment news
Keep informed on physical and psychological safety
With psychosocial hazards now sitting alongside traditional physical risks, the Workplace Health and Safety Show 2026 will explore what’s changing in workplace safety and what employers need to do next.
What you can expect with Payday Super
Payday Super means paying superannuation into your employees’ super funds every payday, rather than once a quarter. Find out about what you need to do before Payday Super starts on 1 July.
Business operations and support initiatives
Learn how to spot counterfeit banknotes
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has resources to assist you in identifying and reporting counterfeit banknotes. View RBA resources here.
Reduce your business loan costs
Getting a better deal on your business loan can add up to big savings over time. Find out how to reduce your loan costs. Read ways to reduce business loan costs here.
Preventing and managing disputes
Disputes and complaints can happen to any business. Understanding how to resolve disputes can help business owners save time, reduce stress and avoid financial costs. Find out more here.
Burn piles can be a risk to stock
Farmers looking to ignite burn piles are being urged to be cautious with stock. Read more from Agriculture Victoria here.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
