📰 Local News | 🚗 Pakenham Road Upgrade | 👩🏫 Boost Your Business Workshops | 👨💻 FREE online workshops | 📅 Changes for business | 💰 Business Grants + much more
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July 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter! 🌟
In this issue, we're excited to bring you a wealth of information and updates to help you stay informed and engaged with our vibrant community. Discover the highlights from the recent Cardinia Jobs and Skills Event and add your business activities for the school holidays to our 'What's On Cardinia' website.
Stay updated on the council's temporary community advertising sign policy and get the latest on the Pakenham Roads upgrade, ensuring smoother commutes and better infrastructure. We also have a roundup of upcoming local events tailored for businesses, along with free online courses to help you and your team grow.
Don't miss out on important changes for businesses effective from July 1st, as well as details on available business grants and recent government announcements.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Economic Development team should you have any questions. You can email them directly at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Local News
Successful Jobs and Skills Event
The recent Jobs and Skills Event began with a sold-out business breakfast and was followed by a community jobs showcase, attracting more than 200 people.
This event aimed to celebrate diverse workforce solutions, break down barriers to employment, and endorse local jobs and training opportunities. Attendees included job seekers, businesses, education partners, and service providers.
Key features of the event comprised guest speakers, a panel Q&A session, over 30 stallholders showcasing local jobs and services, as well as the successful workshops aiding jobseekers in advancing their career prospects.
A special thank you is extended to the event partners, Local Jobs—South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula, Star News Group, and Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre, for their contributions towards making the day a success.
What's On Cardinia - School Holidays
Is your business offering a school holiday event?
Don't forget to include it on 'What's On Cardinia'. This platform serves as an events calendar, highlighting all the upcoming activities within Cardinia Shire. It showcases the region's diversity and uniqueness, offering something for everyone in a central location.
Temporary Community Advertising Signs
Did you know that you need a permit to put up temporary community advertising signs on land in Cardinia Shire that is owned or managed by Council?
Signs can only be placed in pre-approved locations in accordance with our Temporary Community Advertising Signage Policy. This helps reduce the risk of signs distracting motorists and ensures that our surroundings look attractive and are not too cluttered.
Pakenham Roads Upgrade
Major Road Projects Victoria has begun the next phase of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, focusing on the McGregor Road and Webster Way intersection. This follows the recent opening of two new northbound lanes on McGregor Road. The current works will result in long-term traffic changes until late September, including road closures and detours. Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road will also undergo lane openings and temporary closures throughout July as part of the upgrade. Major Road Projects Victoria encourages the community to stay informed and subscribe to updates for both projects to minimize disruptions.
Subscribe online at
roadprojects.vic.gov.au/subscribe for updates on both projects or by texting HKWR and PKHM to 0499 073 073
Photo: Princes Freeway entry ramp from McGregor Road heading towards Gippsland.
Business Workshops
Explore a variety of events to boost skills, expand knowledge, and network with experts. More information on the face-to-face events can be found on Cardinia Business website.
Boost Your Business Workshop: Marketing Basics
Cardinia Cultural Centre
Tuesday 3rd September 2024
9.30am to 11.30am
During this workshop, we will explore the essential elements of successful marketing for your business. Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or a beginner, you will acquire valuable insights across various areas.
Boost Your Business Workshop: Social Media
Cardinia Cultural Centre
Tuesday 15th October 2024
9.30am to 11.30am
In this interactive workshop, you will gain practical insights and skills to enhance your social media presence.
Boost Your Business: Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
Toomah Community Centre
21st & 22nd October 2024
9.00am – 3.30pm
The 2-day workshop will help you to understand the critical components required for business success and tailor a specific plan to each individual business’ situation.
Online workshops
Online courses for tourism and hospitality businesses
The VTIC micro-credentialing program offers specific skills to Victorian tourism, event, and hospitality businesses and individuals via Typsy's online platform.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Explore a free online AI training covering real-world applications, common terminologies, career advice, and dispelling AI myths.
Digital Solutions Program
Access government-subsidized 1:1 mentoring, workshops, and courses for digital needs. Enrol in the Digital Solutions Program for free registration to access programs via the portal.
Changes for businesses
The start of the new financial year brings a number of changes that your business should be aware of. We've outlined some of the major changes below.
National Minimum wage increase
From 1 July 2024, the National Minimum Wage will increase by 3.75%. This means the new National Minimum Wage will be $24.10 per hour, or $915.90 per week.
Company and business name fees
In line with an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the March quarter, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission will increase company fees and business name fees from 1 July 2024.
Independent contractor changes
There are multiple changes to definitions and protections for independent contractors from 26 August 2024.
Changes to casual employment
There are multiple changes to casual employment laws coming into effect this year, including a new definition of a casual employee and a new pathway for converting from casual to permanent employment.
The right to disconnect
The new 'right to disconnect' means that eligible employees will have the right to refuse contact outside of working hours. This change starts on 26 August 2024 for non-small business employers and 26 August 2025 for small business employers.
Ban on engineered stone
A ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will be implemented in Australia from 1 July.
Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy
From 1 July 2024, the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy requires high value procurements in specific categories to address environmental impacts.
Business Grants
Grants for Multicultural Business Chambers & Trader Groups
Applications are open for the Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups program. Eligible organizations can receive grants from $5,000 to $20,000 for projects benefiting multicultural businesses. If your organization backs diverse businesses and has a collaboration project idea, apply by 5 pm on July 17, 2024.
New round of timber innovation grants
Round 3 of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund is currently accepting applications. Eligible native timber businesses can receive grants of up to $1 million to transition from native timber harvesting, fostering job creation in their communities. This may involve shifting operations to plantation timber or providing construction and earthmoving services for sustainable job growth.
Government Announcements
Plain English Allergen Labelling
Inspiring Investment In Victorian AgTech Startups
Business Support
Small Business Debt Helpline
If you or someone you know is struggling with their business finances, call the Small Business Debt Helpline. Their small business financial counsellors will give you free, independent, and confidential advice.
Beating Burnout: Your Guide to Thriving Through the Winter Season
With the winter season here, you might encounter heightened stress and burnout. Here are some tips to overcome burnout and achieve balance during the winter months.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you! Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au, or visit the Cardinia Business website.
