April is packed with opportunity! Discover the latest grants, upcoming business events, and fresh insights to help your business thrive in Cardinia Shire.
No images? Click here
Welcome to April's Cardinia Business Update!
Our local business community is buzzing with opportunities, support programs and events to help you grow, upskill and stay informed. Whether you're part of a business group looking to strengthen collaboration, keen to streamline operations through the 2026 Lean Business Series, or interested in energy-saving initiatives, there’s plenty on offer.
This edition also brings you the latest online and face-to-face training and workshop opportunities, upcoming grant programs, key government announcements, and important employment updates, including information on work-from-home arrangements.
Dive in to explore what's happening, what's available, and how you can make the most of the support around you. If you have any enquiries, please contact us via email at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Local news
Cardinia Business Group Support Grants close soon
Incorporated business and trader groups across Cardinia Shire can apply for funding to support local business growth, collaboration, events, training, and more.
- Up to $10,000 for strategic projects
- Up to $5,000 for small, practical initiatives
If your group has an idea that strengthens our local business community, now’s the time to apply!
Applications close Friday, 3 April at 5pm.
Are you ready to transform your business for the 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.
Business Energy Support workshops
Cardinia Shire Council seeks input from businesses for an upcoming workshop on Business Energy Support.
SECCCA Business Energy Support workshops help medium to large businesses understand energy markets, cut costs, and meet emission reduction goals through transparent information.
If your business has installed a large-scale solar system (50kW+) or trialled electrification of gas heating or transportation, and you are willing to share your experience with other businesses, or if you are interested in hosting one of these workshops, please contact business@cardinia.vic.gov.au.
Staff spotlight – Milita Jap
Milita joined Cardinia Shire Council in 2021 and currently works as a Social Planning and Projects Officer. She previously worked as a Statutory Planner at Council, bringing a strong background in both planning policy and implementation.
Her work focuses on social planning initiatives that improve liveability and enhance community health and wellbeing outcomes. This includes advancing social and affordable housing, preventing, and reducing alcohol and gambling harm in the local community.
Milita is particularly interested in how social and urban planning can work together to support the wellbeing economy and create healthier and more resilient communities.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading Australian personal finance books, travelling, and practising yoga.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
2026 Lean Business Workshop – Smarter AI Use
Friday, 1 May, 9:30 am - 11:30 am, Cardinia Cultural Center
Explore how AI can reveal challenges instead of hiding them. Participate in this workshop to learn how Lean principles can be incorporated into AI and automation workflows. Enhance decision-making through technology adoption, simplifying digital operations along the way.
Business Coaching Program
Businesses located in the Cardinia Shire region can engage in the Business Coaching Program provided by the Cardinia Shire Council. This initiative offers tailored guidance and personalised assistance from handpicked coaches. Participants can benefit from three free one-on-one consultation sessions, gaining impartial and confidential insights from industry experts.
Online training opportunities
Build the skills to get tax-time ready
Essentials To Strengthen Your Small Business is the ATO’s free online learning platform and helps business owners build practical knowledge to help them manage their tax, super and day‑to‑day operations.
Find out more on the ATO website
Register for Business Victoria's upcoming webinars
Pick up some new skills to kickstart, grow, and expand your small business by joining a workshop or webinar offered by Business Victoria.
- Starting Your Small Business, Wednesday 8 April, 10am-1pm
- Cyber Security, Thursday 9 April, 1-3pm
- Maximising Your Marketing, Monday 13 April, 6-8pm
- Taking Your Business Online, Tuesday 14 April, 6-9pm
- Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online, Thursday 16 April, 10am-1pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing, Friday 17 April, 10am-1pm
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders, Monday 20 April, 5-7pm
- Generating Cash Flow, Wednesday 29 April, 10am-12pm
You can find more Business Victoria courses and webinars on their website
Free Webinars on workplace laws
The Fair Work Ombudsman's free webinars help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Australian workplace laws.
Head to the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information
Business Events
Decisions that drive success
A powerful and practical 1-day group workshop that equips participants to make the decisions necessary to navigate their farm business through critical seasonal challenges, change and crisis.
Tuesday 21 April - Register to attend
Maximising livestock profitability & herd performance
Maximise farm profitability across livestock and pasture management in Southern Gippsland.
Thursday 16 April - Register to attend
Gippsland irrigation expo
This event brings together irrigators, suppliers and consultants to showcase the latest in irrigation technologies and practices.
Wednesday 20 May - Register to attend
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and programs
Support for creative artists, groups and businesses
The Creative Projects Fund provides grants of $10,000–$30,000 for Victorian artists and small creative organisations to develop new work. It includes streams for First Peoples and creatives with disabilities. Deadline: 3 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects Grants
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants provide funding for short-term research collaborations.
Industry Growth Program
This program offers advisory services to startups and SMEs working on innovative projects aligned with the Australian Government's National Reconstruction Fund priority areas to enhance Australia's manufacturing capacity.
Livestock Biosecurity Funds
The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program funds projects that help prevent, monitor and control diseases in animals. This is crucial for improving animal health and ensuring biosecurity.
Australia Korea Foundation
The Australia Korea Foundation provides businesses and individuals with funding to undertake projects which strengthen Australia–Korea relations, enhance Australia's international reputation and promote cultural understanding.
Upskilling for Plumbers Grants
This Solar Victoria program aims to support industry to understand energy efficiency requirements and design and install energy-efficient heat pump hot water systems. It is delivered free of charge by the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC).
Digital Jobs program
Take advantage of the Victorian Government's Digital Jobs program to upskill your team. Round 2 of the program is now open and providing fully subsidised digital skills training for leaders and workers in the advanced manufacturing and construction sectors.
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
RBA Confirms Ban on Card Surcharges
Australian consumers and businesses are set to experience a significant shift in the way everyday payments are priced, following a landmark decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to ban debit and credit card surcharges. The reform, due to take effect from 1st October 2026, marks one of the most substantial overhauls of the payments system in decades and is aimed at simplifying transactions while reducing costs across the economy.
Fuel excise halved for three months
The Australian government's decision to temporarily reduce the fuel excise is one of the most significant short-term interventions in the current fuel crisis, with far-reaching consequences for small and medium-sized businesses. The policy, announced following a National Cabinet meeting, will reduce fuel costs by 26.3 cents per litre for three months at a cost of an estimated $2.55 billion.
ATO key dates for 2026
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has outlined key employer obligations and deadlines for 2026, urging businesses to stay on top of tax, superannuation and reporting requirements to avoid compliance action.
What you need to know about side hustles
Business.gov.au has answered some of your questions about side hustles. Learn more about the differences, tax obligations and how to manage burnout.
Employment news
Junior rates decision issued
The Fair Work Commission decided to eliminate junior pay rates for young adults in retail, fast food, and pharmacy but keep them for minors. Currently, 18-year-olds get 70%, 19-year-olds receive 80%, and 20-year-olds are paid 90% of the award rate. The changes will be gradually implemented over four years starting in December.
How to get ready for Payday Super
From Wednesday 1 July 2026, employers must pay employees their super guarantee on payday, at the same time as their salary and wages. To ensure you’re ready for the changes, visit the ATO to learn more.
Public holiday entitlements
Public holidays come with important responsibilities for business owners. Make sure you know your employee entitlements so you're prepared for the upcoming long weekends.
WFH legislation set for September 2026
The Victorian Government has confirmed it will proceed with legislation to enshrine a legal right to work from home, set to come into effect from 1 September 2026.
When can – and can’t – employers refuse a WFH request?
Two recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decisions, which seemingly address the same issue, have put work-from-home (WFH) arrangements back in the spotlight due to the contrast between their outcomes.
Help for small businesses
Do you need tailored pay and conditions advice? Fair Work Ombudsman Employer Advisory Service gives small business employers free tailored written advice.
Business operations and support initiatives
ACCC protecting small business from unfair behaviour
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) aims to safeguard small businesses by focusing on unfair contract terms and banning unfair trading practices in 2026-2027.
Compliance and enforcement priorities
Risky cyber-security habits to break
Does your business reuse passwords, delay software updates, access public Wi‑Fi without a VPN or use unsecured personal devices? Fixing these helps protect business data from scams and cyber attacks.
Read the six common cyber-security habits to break
2026 Small Business Perspectives – Regional Voices Survey.
This survey examines small business operations in regional, rural, and remote Australia in 2026. It aims to understand the challenges faced by regional small business owners and identify the support needed for sustainable growth. Survey results will contribute to the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia Small Business Perspectives Report, shaping advocacy efforts.
Complete the 2026 Small Business Perspectives survey
Conduct a financial health check
The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so now is the perfect time to make sure your business finances are in order. A financial health check helps you understand your current financial position and plan for the future. Learn how to review your finances to see if your business is on track.
The business of being funny: how creatives turn passion into a profession
Comedians Sashi Perera and Daizy Maan show that you can turn your passion into a business. Success comes from learning business skills, marketing yourself, building community and using business support to grow.
The business of being funny: how creatives turn passion into a profession
Daylight saving ends Sunday 5 April
Don’t forget to turn your clocks backwards one hour at 3 am (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on Sunday 5 April. Make sure your business hours, staff rosters and payments also match the time change.
Find out details on Daylight saving time
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
