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🎄 Welcome to the December edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter! 🎄
As we near the end of the year, let's uncover new opportunities! Kick off 2026 on a strong note with the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase. This event provides you with the chance to engage with local talent, network with local businesses, and find workforce solutions to drive your business forward.
Explore the Cardinia Business Coaching Program that provides free tailored one-on-one support from experienced coaches. These professionals can assist you in setting goals, overcoming challenges, and growing your business with assurance.
This edition is brimming with resources to support your
success:
✨ Access free training programs to enhance your team's skills
✨ Explore grant opportunities to finance your next innovative project
✨ Benefit from expert guidance on workplace mental health and well-being
✨ Learn smart tactics for integrating AI and future-proofing your business
If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Exhibitor spaces are limited! Hurry!
Have you registered to attend next year's Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase on 18 March 2026 at Cardinia Cultural Centre? This event is a great chance to connect with local job seekers, network with businesses, promote opportunities, and support career development in Cardinia Shire.
Pakenham Spend & Win is here!
Participate in Pakenham's Spend and Win competition, delivered by Victoria's Big Build, by supporting local businesses from November 24, 2025, to February 20, 2026. Spend $10 for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, or spend $100 for a chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card. All entries qualify for the grand prize of a $2,000 donation to a community organisation chosen by the winner.
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.
Coffee with Community
Join us for a free 'Coffee with Community and Safe Plate Day' event hosted by Victoria Police, Cardinia Shire Council, and the Cardinia Shire Safer Communities Partnership Committee at Lakeside Square Shopping Centre in Pakenham on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 from 4-6pm.
Have your say and help shape the future of Cardinia Shire.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy Review
Council is reviewing its Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy to improve how people walk, cycle and move around our community. This review will help us plan for safer, more connected and accessible paths and trails across the shire. Engagement closes – 7 December 2025
Help shape Cardinia Shire's rating system
We’re inviting community members to express their interest in joining a panel that will help shape how rates are applied across the shire. Expressions of interest are open until 5pm on 9 December. Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
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.
Online training opportunities
THRIVE Virtual: Learning to ride the AI bike
Join VECCI on Thursday 4 December, for a one-hour online session designed to kickstart your AI journey – whether you're wobbling onto the pedals or already racing ahead. Learn how your business can harness AI to solve real-world challenges. Register on the VECCI website and use the promo code, THRIVEFREE for free entry.
Free franchising course
Considering purchasing a franchise? The ACCC offers a complimentary online course designed to assist you in determining if franchising aligns with your goals. Gain insights into the world of franchising, including its distinctions from other business models. Read more about the course at the ACCC website
Skills for Education and Employment Program
Empower your employees with the free Skills for Education and Employment Program. The program provides free, tailored training to help your employees strengthen their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, setting them – and your business – up for success.
All you need to know about water webinars
Need help with water planning on your farm? Join Agriculture Victoria's interactive webinar for practical tools and advice to help you develop a plan for your farm.
Free webinar: brand protection
Did you know female founders are less likely to protect their intellectual property (IP) than their male peers? IP Australia is teaming up with Future Women for the webinar 'Don’t just name it, claim it' on Wednesday 10 December. Hear from IP experts and small businesses on brand protection and the basics of trademarks.
Employer Mental Health Literacy Program
Health Services provider Caraniche, supported by Apprenticeships Victoria, is offering free training sessions so that employers can feel confident supporting apprentices to be mentally healthy.
Business Events
SmallBiz Melbourne Expo 2026
Held on 25 and 26 March 2026, SmallBiz Expo is one of Australia’s most dynamic business events. Gain insights, strategies, and connections to streamline operations, boost growth, forge partnerships, explore innovations, and secure long-term success. Get your Free tickets now to attend.
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and programs
Industry Growth Program
The program offers advisory services to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises working on innovative projects aligned with the Australian Government's National Reconstruction Fund priority areas to enhance Australia's manufacturing capacity.
CSIRO Kick-Start
CSIRO Kick-Start is an initiative for innovative Australian start-ups and small businesses, providing funding support and access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.
Business Skills Mentoring program
The Business Skills Mentoring program will provide up to 1,000 eligible small business owners with 3 one-hour mentoring sessions to be used within 3 months.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Beyond Blue offers NewAccess for Small Business Owners, a free and confidential mental health coaching program. It provides 8 sessions with a dedicated coach experienced in small business to help manage stress, build resilience, and tackle challenges.
Self-Employment Assistance program
With Self-Employment Assistance, you'll learn how to turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable enterprise. The program is flexible. Choose the services that best meet your needs and where you are on your business journey.
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 announcements
Important information on Tomato potato psyllid
Agriculture Victoria has advised of a recent detection of the tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) on tomato plants in Victoria. TPP can impact Solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums, and eggplants. All Victorian businesses transporting TPP host or carrier plants or produce interstate from 8 December 2025 will need to comply with entry requirements set by each destination jurisdiction. These requirements vary by state and differ for host and carrier commodities of TPP.
For the latest information about TPP and interstate market access, please visit Tomato potato psyllid information for businesses.
Cyber Health Check Tool
The Australian Government created a Cyber Health Check Tool for small businesses, farmers, and non-profits. It offers simple cyber security guidance through a quick self-assessment to enhance your cyber awareness with personalised advice.
New guidance for business on safe and responsible AI adoption.
The National AI Centre has released new Guidance for AI Adoption to help Australian businesses plan, manage and use artificial intelligence safely and responsibly.
Employment news
Protect your staff from aggression and violence
Ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your employees with WorkSafe Victoria's 'Don't Cross the Line' resources. Download posters to raise awareness of work-related aggression and violence, along with guides to manage risk.
New workplace mental health regulations
From 1 December, employers must manage psychosocial hazards—like bullying, harassment, and trauma risks—under new OHS laws. These changes aim to reduce psychological injuries and create safer, healthier workplaces. For more information about psychological health and supporting resources, visit the WorkSafe website and watch their video
Is your business facing skills shortages?
Australia's Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot links businesses with skilled refugee talent, providing 500 visa places to address skill shortages in high-demand sectors and help refugees rebuild their lives.
Paid family and domestic violence leave
Did you know that all employees (including part-time and casual employees) are entitled to 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave per year? Find out everything small businesses need to know about this legislation.
Do you know your holiday season entitlements?
Learn about holiday season rules and entitlements for your business as it gets busier, requiring more hours from employees or closing down.
Create a more inclusive workplace with JobAccess
"1 in 5 Australians has a disability, yet only half of working-age individuals are employed. JobAccess is the Australian Government's free service aiding employers in hiring and supporting people with disabilities."
Business operations
6 ways to navigate seasonal trends
Is December busy or quiet for your business? The ups and downs of seasonal business can be managed with planning. Despina Karatzias, founder of the Institute of Excellence, shares 6 tips to help businesses master the seasonal trends in their industry.
5 tips to optimise your business
Improve how your business operates by finding smarter and faster ways to achieve better results, using the resources you already have.
How to have a safe and happy work party
There’s nothing like celebrating a year of hard work with a well-earned party. But if you’re a business owner, don’t forget to prepare with some health and safety considerations.
Trademark your success
Whether you’re starting a new business or scaling an existing one, protecting your brand with a registered trademark is a smart move. It can safeguard your ideas from those of your competitors and help you grow. IP Australia has guidance and a free tool to help you decide if a registered trademark is right for you.
What to do if someone uses your IP
Someone using your intellectual property (IP) without your permission can hurt your business. We've got new information outlining what steps you can take when someone infringes your IP.
Know the rules with uniforms
Don't let uniform rules come back to haunt your business! If your team is required to wear a uniform that's distinctive to your business, you're required to provide it free of charge or give a uniform allowance. Make sure you know the rules for your business.
Understanding commercial and industrial property tax
Commercial and industrial property is moving from land transfer duty (also known as stamp duty) and landholder duty to an annual property tax known as the commercial and industrial property tax (CIPT). CIPT in Victoria has significant implications for small businesses, especially those that plan to acquire commercial or industrial property
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
