Local business news | Employment update | Government programs | Business support initiatives
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October 2023
Welcome to the October edition of our business newsletter!
We sincerely thank all the businesses that took part in our recent Business Landscape Survey. Your input and time are incredibly valuable to us. In the coming weeks, we will carefully review your responses, and we are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share the survey results with you soon.
This month, we are thrilled to bring you exciting announcements, including updates on local events for Health and Safety Month, news about the Small Business Bus making its way to Pakenham, and essential information on recruitment strategies. Additionally, stay tuned for insights into the latest government programs and grants that have been announced, along with comprehensive business support information designed to assist you in your entrepreneurial journey.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and we hope you find this newsletter beneficial for your business endeavours.
Local business announcements
Health & Safety Month
WorkSafe Victoria is inviting you to the biggest Health and Safety event of the year, hosted by Cameron Ling!
This is your chance to dive into a world of workplace health and safety with dynamic guest speakers and industry experts who are ready to share their knowledge and cover essential topics you don't want to miss.
Register now for this free event and secure your spot for an experience that'll level up your safety game.
Date: Wednesday 8th October
Time: 7.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre (11 Webster Way, Pakenham)
Cost: FREE
Catering: Breakfast and light lunch provided
Pakenham Carols by Candlelight 2023 sponsorship opportunity
Support the Pakenham Carols by Candlelight 2023 and boost your brand recognition! Become a sponsor and connect with thousands of attendees.
Your business will be featured in promotional materials and at the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your brand to a local audience that values supporting local businesses. Your sponsorship not only provides exposure but also contributes to a free and delightful community event.
For more information, please contact Council’s Event Delivery Officer, Beck Ellis, on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
An update from Major Road Projects Victoria
Major Road Projects Victoria is upgrading Racecourse Road, McGregor Road, and the Princes Freeway near Pakenham as part of Victoria's Big Build program. The objective of this project is to improve traffic flow, lessen congestion, and make commuting easier and more enjoyable.
If you’d like to read more information about particular projects or would like to receive email and SMS updates, please click the links below.
Date: 14 November 2023
Time: 10.00am - 4.00 pm
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham (40 Lakeside Blvd Pakenham)
Cost: FREE
Small Business Bus coming to Cardinia Shire
The Small Business Bus travels across Victoria, providing advice and support for small businesses in metro and regional areas.
Your business adviser can help you identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals.
Book a free 1:1 session with tailored advice to start, build, or transform your small business.
Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month is a calendar of events showcasing opportunities to connect, socialise, learn, play, and nourish our mental and physical wellbeing in Cardinia Shire this October.
If your business is holding an event that supports mental health this October, don't forget to add it to What's On Cardinia and tag the event type as 'Mental Health Month'.
Employment information
Employing children under 15 years old
A new child employment licensing system has replaced the old permit system.
If you are employing children under 15, you will likely need a licence whether the work is paid or voluntary. Permits issued before July 1 2023 will remain valid until their expiration date.
Preventing discrimination in recruitment
Employers use different recruitment methods, either through their internal HR teams or by hiring recruitment agencies.
It's vital to ensure that those involved are aware of their legal responsibilities, especially regarding discrimination prevention.
Employer recruitment checklist
Are you thinking about hiring staff for your business?
Utilise the business.gov.au checklist designed for small business owners to ensure compliance with Australian employment laws when hiring employees. Additionally, there are also some helpful tips to guide you through the hiring process.
4 ways to attract the best talent to your small business
As a small business owner, focusing on high-value activities like recruiting and retaining top talent is crucial amidst the demands of innovation and market trends. Despite the successes and strong team you've built over time, recent unexplained departures and a lack of job applicants signal a shifting hiring landscape. Take proactive steps to attract and retain the right employees by reading these valuable tips.
Government programs & grants
Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants
The Victorian Government is supporting Victoria’s agricultural and pastoral societies to improve their business operations and increase their involvement in regional shows by offering grants of up to $10,000 to eligible projects.
The grants will offer agricultural and pastoral societies the opportunity to upgrade or establish new facilities, while creating opportunities for further collaboration and partnerships with businesses.
Applications close
Friday 13 October 2023.
Hiring outside the box:
Mature age workforce
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is holding a webinar about the mature-age workforce.
Join in and hear from industry and employer guests share practical strategies and the benefits of attracting and retaining a mature workforce, including the benefits of tapping into a broader pool of talent.
Go green and cut your energy costs
Managing energy expenses can be a significant financial burden for small businesses in Victoria, especially with the ongoing nationwide increase in rates.
Despite the challenge posed by rising bills, there are practical measures you can implement to both reduce energy costs and contribute to a greener environment.
Sustainability Victoria offers five expert tips aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and trimming your energy expenditure.
Have you heard about the HERC IP Framework?
The Higher Education Research Commercialisation (HERC) Intellectual Property (IP) Framework helps businesses work with universities to negotiate successful university-industry partnerships and turn research into products and services.
The Framework includes:
• A practical guide based on Australian and international best practice to understand where the Framework would be useful
• Step-by-step information to help you learn more about IP
• Standardised agreement templates to assist in the negotiation process
Business support information
Christmas and New Years Trading Hours
The National Retail Association has taken the initiative to create a comprehensive Trading Hours Summary factsheet that serves as a valuable resource for retailers and consumers, detailing the projected trading hours for both Christmas and New Year's in the upcoming year 2023 - 24.
This factsheet provides a clear and organised overview of when businesses are expected to open and close their doors during the festive holiday ahead.
Learning and advice
Ready to break free from procrastination?
Start small by registering for one of Business Victoria's engaging webinars and discover some practical strategies to improve productivity so your small business can thrive.
Virtual mentor sessions
Business Victoria provides free one-on-one online business advice sessions on weekdays, guiding entrepreneurs in shaping their business ideas or expanding existing ventures.
Expert consultants assist in defining business direction, addressing crucial issues, and devising personalised action plans, all within 45-minute sessions, by appointment.
Government assistance
Find government assistance, grants and training / events
Explore the government services available to assist businesses with the business.gov.au finder tools.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you! Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au, or visit the Cardinia Business website.
