Stay informed about what’s happening in business and make the most of the opportunities available this month.
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July 2026
Stay informed about what’s happening in business and make the most of the opportunities available this month. From major project updates and advocacy priorities to upcoming training, events and funding opportunities, this edition brings together a wide range of information designed to help local businesses operate, grow and adapt in a changing environment.
It also highlights important changes coming into effect from 1 July, along with practical guidance on tax time, workforce support and day-to-day business operations. Use it as a quick reference to identify what matters now and what may be worth planning for in the months ahead.
Dive into this edition for all the details and make the most of these fantastic opportunities! If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
State election advocacy campaign launched
Cardinia Shire Council’s advocacy campaign in the lead-up to the 2026 State election has been officially launched, with Council calling for urgent investment in essential projects and services to support the shire’s rapidly growing community.
The campaign focuses on key priorities that will improve the quality of life for people who live, work and play in Cardinia Shire, both now and into the future.
Main Street Gateway works move into final phase
Final works are now underway for Stage 1 of the Pakenham Revitalisation project, bringing the Main Street Gateway precinct closer to completion.
These upgrades are designed to make the town centre safer, easier to get around and more enjoyable for residents, businesses and visitors.
Final elements of the upgrade are currently underway, including the installation of a new roundabout, landscaping, lighting, road pavement, kerb works, raised pedestrian crossings, seating and bins.
Business Coaching Program
Local businesses are invited to join Cardinia Shire Council’s Business Coaching Program, where they can receive tailored expert guidance and personalised support from matched coaches. Participants can benefit from three free one-on-one advice sessions, offering independent and confidential insights from industry experts.
Staff spotlight: Adam Tait
Adam joined Cardinia Shire Council in 2025 as Food and Agribusiness Officer, working with farmers, food producers, businesses, industry partners, and internal planners to support a strong, sustainable, and resilient local food and agribusiness sector.
Originally from around Ballarat, Adam’s career began as a full-time infantry soldier before moving into agricultural and environmental science. He has experience across water quality, biotechnology, wastewater treatment, circular-economy systems, and agrifood industry development.
Business events and training
July's feature workshop
Cybersecurity training workshop
This Cyber Wardens workshop is an interactive way to learn the cybersecurity essentials you need to help protect your small business.
The session is designed for small business owners and employees who prefer a face-to-face learning experience guided by a Cyber Wardens educator.
Date: Thursday 23 July from 10am - 12pm
Cost: $25 per person incl. tea, coffee and morning tea
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham
Local opportunities
Free webinar: Business Renewables Buying Group
Monday 20 July from 1pm-2pm
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. Register now
Net Zero Industry Precincts - Business leaders breakfast
Tuesday 28 July, 8am-10am
SECCCA is building a structured, business-led working group to attract significant capital investment (including grants, incentives and investment) into the region and demonstrate that net zero industry is not only possible, but economic.
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August from 8:45am-3:30pm
This two-day workshop is designed to accelerate the development of a business plan to support your objectives and understand the critical components required for business success. Secure your place
Leadership & Sustainability Programs
Chisholm is opening Expressions of Interest for a new Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520), commencing in August 2026. Special industry offer – while the course is advertised at $5,000, Cardinia businesses can access a significantly subsidised rate of $1,500 (excl. GST) per participant when registering directly through Chisholm Solutions. Register your interest or find out more.
Social Media and Content Marketing
Friday 16 October 2026 from 10am-1pm
This Business Victoria is for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to master social media and create compelling content. More information coming soon
Online training opportunities
Level Up Hort - How to Make More Margin in Your Business.
Thursday 2 July from 2pm-3pm
Learn what constitutes a profitable vegetable or onion business and about the key drivers of profitability and the practical actions growers can take to improve productivity and maximise their margins in the year ahead. Register to attend
Business Victoria online
Learn new skills to start, build and grow your small business by attending a free Business Victoria webinar:
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders - Wednesday 8 July from 1pm-3pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing - Thursday 9 July from 1pm-3pm
- Starting Your Small Business - Monday 13 July from 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Generating Cash Flow - Tuesday 14 July from 10am-12pm
- Maximising Your Marketing - Wednesday 15 July from 5pm-7pm
- Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online - Thursday 16 July from 1pm - 4pm
State Revenue Office
Free education sessions about Victoria’s taxes, duties and grants:
- Payroll tax - Contractors - Monday 6 July from 8:30am-10am
- Payroll tax year end - Monday 6 July from 2pm-4pm
- Lodging unclaimed money – Thursday 9 July, 10am-11am
- Payroll tax – fringe benefits – Tuesday 14 July from 9:30am-10:30am
- Introduction to payroll tax – Thursday 6 August from 11:30am-1pm
Virtual advice
sessions
Business Victoria offers free online business advice sessions to help you start or grow your small business. Register for a virtual advice session.
Business events
Hobby Farm Essentials Workshop
Friday 10 July from 10am-2pm
Hear from a leading local vet covering key topics in pain relief, disease prevention, and best-practice management techniques for cattle, sheep, and goats. Click HERE to register
Setting the Direction Together - Cultural Governance Workshops
Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, with VTIC and the Victorian Government, invites First Peoples tourism businesses and cultural leaders to join early consultation and cultural governance workshops. Register HERE
Deadly In Melbourne 2026
Monday 27 July from 10am-2pm
Kinaway Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to this year’s expo, dedicated to showcasing First Nations owned businesses across Melbourne CBD and beyond. Building on the success of last year's event, we aim to strengthen our community through industry exposure and meaningful connections. Get tickets
SmallBiz Melbourne 2026
Wednesday 29 July and Tuesday 30 July from 10am-5pm
Join business owners, founders and professionals at SmallBiz Week 2026 to explore new ideas, connect with peers and engage with a wide range of exhibitors and sessions. Get your free ticket
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and assistance programs
Telstra Best of Business Awards
This program aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding Australian small and medium-sized businesses that drive economic, social, and cultural prosperity through innovation, leadership, and positive community impact.
RMIT Activator Pre-accelerator Program – LaunchHUB
This program aims to empower early-stage, impact-driven startups to gain momentum and soar to new heights.
Australian Business Growth Fund
This program aims to provide growth capital for small to medium-sized Australian businesses looking to expand, grow and scale. It is Australia’s only purpose-built growth capital fund dedicated to investing in entrepreneurs and disruptors across the SME sector.
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
Changes for business from 1st July
There will be changes to the National Minimum Wage, registration fees, superannuation, labelling seafood and sending marketing messages for business owners from 1 July 2026.
Tips to help you this tax time
Get ready for tax time with tips from the ATO. There’s advice for claiming deductions, employer obligations and record keeping, as well as online toolkits for small businesses. Start preparing now to make the most of your tax time.
What does the Federal Budget mean for my business?
The 2026–27 Federal Budget includes tax reforms, industry funding, workforce changes and counselling services that will impact small businesses. Find out what's available and what it means for your business.
Bird flu (Avian influenza)
On 20 June 2026, the Australian Government announced a detection of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in single brown skua (migratory seabird) in Western Australia.
Got a business renewal notice?
ASIC is warning companies and business name holders about unsolicited letters, emails and notices from third-party service providers about company annual reviews or business name renewals.
2026 Tax Time toolkit
The ATO has launched the 2026 Tax Time toolkit for small businesses. Get prepared and lodge with confidence. It’s a simple, practical resource with essential tools, calculators and guidance, covering everything from expenses to closing a business.
Farmers and growers – are you prepared for Varroa mite?
Varroa mite is now a reality for Australia’s beekeeping industry, and it’s expected to have a major impact on pollination services, which means potential flow-on effects for crop production and farm planning.
Entries open for WorkSafe Awards Agriculture Safety Solution
Do you know a farmer making a real difference in safety on farms? The WorkSafe Awards celebrate farmers who are prioritising safety solutions so that everyone can return home safely to their families and communities.
Employment news
Tools to support your young workers
WorkSafe Victoria provides tools and resources to help you support young workers, who are often at higher risk of injury. Start creating a culture that protects young workers with checklists, training and supervision.
Wage subsidies
Do you know that wage subsidies ranging up to $10,000 may be available to businesses hiring a new employee?
Businesses seeking employees to fill an ongoing position should contact their nearest Workforce Australia, ParentsNext or Transition to Work provider or download the employer factsheet.
Are you paying annual leave correctly?
Annual leave can come up in different situations. When it’s taken, paid out at the end of employment, or cashed out, each scenario has rules you need to follow.
Business operations
Victorian Small Business Commission
Small business owners who speak a language other than English now have two new guidance materials available on the VSBC website; Retail leases information brochure and a Guide to dispute resolution for small business
Victorian retail landlords must update their leasing packs by 1 July 2026
The Victorian Small Business Commission has updated its Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants, which landlords must provide to prospective retail tenants for new lease negotiations starting on or after 1 July 2026. It outlines key rights, responsibilities, costs and questions to ask before signing, helping reduce misunderstandings and disputes. Download it now at vsbc.vic.gov.au/new-brochure.
Beware of common business scams
The National Anti-Scam Centre’s latest report highlights the most common scams impacting small businesses. Learn about the latest scams, how to prevent them and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
Winter ready: is your business prepared?
The colder months can bring weather challenges, potential hazards and shifting demand but also new opportunities. Getting ahead of winter now can help you stay safe, manage expenses and keep things running smoothly. Learn how to prepare for the weather changes and potential hazards that the colder months can bring.
AI and your business
Curious about how artificial intelligence could help your business but not sure where to start? The Australian Government's AI.gov.au platform brings together practical guidance, tools and resources to help businesses explore and adopt AI confidently and responsibly.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
