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June 2026
Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter.
This edition highlights the latest local developments, business opportunities, and practical support available to help Cardinia Shire businesses grow and thrive. Key updates include progress on the proposed Costco development in Pakenham and continued investment in the Pakenham town centre streetscape upgrades.
You’ll also find a range of upcoming events and training opportunities to build your skills and connect with industry, including the Get Some Time Back small business workshop, cybersecurity training through the Cyber Wardens program, and the Business Plan Accelerator Workshop.
Alongside these events, explore available grants, coaching programs, and the latest government updates designed to support your business at every stage. Stay informed, build capability, and take advantage of the many resources available across the Cardinia Shire.
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
Costco is coming to Pakenham!
A new Costco is coming to Pakenham, with Council approving plans for a warehouse, fuel station and supporting infrastructure.
Located on the corner of Greenhills Road and Koo Wee Rup Road, the 6.2-hectare site will support future local jobs and economic growth.
Pakenham town centre transformation continues
We’re thrilled to share what’s ahead for the Pakenham Revitalisation project!
Council awarded the tender for Stages 2 and 3, which will include streetscape upgrades to the Drake Place and John Street precincts. Construction is expected to start from July 2026.
Have your say on the future of Emerald and Gembrook town centres
We’re inviting the community to share what they value most about Emerald and Gembrook and how they could evolve in the future.
Get some time back!
Are you a small business, tradie, home-based business, or community group? Map where time and resources are being lost, and redirect your effort towards what customers actually value.
Date: Friday 19 June, 9:30am - 11:30am
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham
Cost: $30 each or $35 for 2 people. Includes tea, coffee and morning tea
Staff spotlight: Rod Short
Rod joined Cardinia Shire Council in December 2025, as the Visitor Economy Officer. He works three days a week to grow local tourism, strengthen our Visitor Economy Partnership, and help showcase visitor experiences.
Growing up in Upper Beaconsfield, Rod is passionate about putting Cardinia Shire on the map as a must-do destination for travellers. He is committed to supporting First Peoples' cultural tourism opportunities, drawing on many years’ experience working with and alongside Aboriginal people in local and remote communities.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
Succession Planning Roadshow - Gembrook
Friday 12 June - 9:45am - 1pm
A FREE informative workshop, delivered by NEX Business Farming Wellness with support from Agriculture Victoria, on succession planning designed to give you clarity and confidence. Learn how a facilitated approach can protect both your farm and your family's future. Places are limited; registration required
Get some time back!
Friday 19 June - 9:30am - 11:30am
Are you a small business, tradie, home-based business, or community group? Map where time and resources are being lost, and redirect your effort towards what customers actually value. Book your place now
Cybersecurity training workshop
Thursday 23 July - 10am - 12pm
This workshop is an interactive way to learn the cybersecurity essentials you need to help protect your small business. Register to attend
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August - 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
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. Learn more
Dental Assisting Traineeship
Build confident, capable dental assistants through a fully supported Chisholm traineeship. The Certificate III in Dental Assisting is a free TAFE for Priority Course, so eligible trainees can complete their qualification with no tuition fees—delivering great value for employers investing in their workforce. Find our more
Online training opportunities
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
Join a masterclass to build business skills
The Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) small business masterclasses are free, one-hour online sessions run by ATO experts. Register for a session throughout June.
Business Victoria online
Learn new skills to start, build and grow your small business by attending a free Business Victoria webinar:
- Starting Your Small Business: Tuesday 2 June, 10am - 1pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing: Tuesday 2 June, 6pm - 9pm
- Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online: Thursday 4 June from 10am - 1pm
- Maximising Your Marketing: Thursday 11 June from 1pm - 3pm
- Starting Your Small Business: Friday 12 June from 10am - 1pm
- Cyber Security: Wednesday 17 June from 6pm - 8pm
- Maximising Your Marketing: Thursday 18 June from 10am - 12pm
- Taking Your Business Online: Monday 22 June from 10am - 1pm
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders: Tuesday 23 June from 6pm - 8pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing: Wednesday 24 June from 10am - 1pm
Business events
SEMMA Food Group Launch
Thursday 4 June from 10am - 12pm
The newly formed South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) Food Group brings food manufacturers, technologists and suppliers together to enhance and advance the food manufacturing sector in South East Melbourne, Australia’s Manufacturing Powerhouse. Find out more
Introduction to exporting and importing
Wednesday 17 June from 10:30am - 12pm
This session supports textile, clothing and footwear sole traders, as well as micro, small and medium-sized businesses across Australia, to build their export capability and expand their products or services into global markets. Register here
Export and import guide for small business
Wednesday 17 June, 2pm - 3:30pm
This workshop will provide businesses with information on importing and exporting, and will include information on developing your success plan for global trading
research, risks, IP, logistics, finance, marketing, Austrade and grants. Register here
BLUEPRINT Election Forum Series - Forum 2: ENERGY
Thursday 25 June, 9:30am - 1:30pm
Manufacturers need support to ensure the energy supply is stable, sustainable, available and affordable. SEMMA will be addressing global uncertainty impacting fuel prices, constantly rising gas and electricity prices and gas supply shortages in Forum 2: ENERGY. More information
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and assistance programs
Digital Jobs program
The Digital Jobs program provides training to upskill leaders and workers in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with in-demand digital skills.
Breakthrough Victoria Fund
This program aims to commercialise great ideas and innovations that create jobs in emerging industries and deliver prosperity for Victoria over the next decade and beyond. It supports people and innovations from the first spark of an idea right through to companies with ambitions for large-scale growth.
CSIRO – Kick-Start program
This program aims to help Australian startups and small and medium-sized enterprises access funding to undertake research, development, or testing activities with CSIRO. It is a targeted program, which forms part of CSIRO’s strategic commitment to deepen its direct support for Australian technology start-ups and SMEs in areas of national growth priorities.
LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator program
La Trobe University - LaunchPad is a 12‑week pre‑accelerator program helping emerging founders turn tech‑driven ideas into scalable ventures. The current intake focuses on care‑economy innovations with a tech edge.
Future Drought Fund
The program aims to boost drought and climate resilience, helping farmers and producers to plan, access climate tools, and share resilient farming practices, and helping communities to plan. It also fosters rural and regional leaders and networks.
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
What does the budget mean for your business?
The 2026–27 Budget was announced on 12 May.
Find out what's available and what it means for your business.
Foreign interference and your business
Foreign interference isn't always obvious, but it can put your business and reputation at risk. It may involve attempts to access sensitive information, influence decisions or gain an unfair advantage.
Getting ready for Payday Super
From Wednesday 1 July 2026, small businesses must pay super on payday, not quarterly. Learn the three key Payday Super changes and how to prepare to avoid penalties.
Introducing AI.gov.au
If you’re thinking about using AI in your business, this is the place to start. You’ll find a range of practical tools, clear guidance and learning resources, all focused on getting you using AI safely and responsibly.
Instant Asset Write-off for small businesses
The instant asset write-off lets eligible small businesses immediately claim a tax deduction for the business portion of an asset, as long as it costs less than the yearly limit and is installed and ready to use.
New chatbot for IP questions
IP Australia is piloting an AI-powered chatbot tool on IP First Response. The platform is designed to help small businesses and creators access clear, high-level information about IP protection and enforcement options.
Employment news
It's FBT tax time – are you ready?
Have you provided your employees with any perks or extras, like work vehicles, held any social events, or even paid for their personal expenses? You may need to lodge a fringe benefits tax (FBT) return and pay any FBT owed.
12 ways to make your small business safer
The WorkSafe Victoria handbook shares solutions to 12 common health and safety hazards regularly found by inspectors in workplaces. From manual handling to storage and racking, working at heights and more, find practical tips to make your workplace safer.
The safety aspect of working from home
Work health and safety obligations continue to apply when employees work from home. This series explores compliance and how to deal with risks and incidents.
Business operations
Vehicle registration rebate
Victorians can soon apply for 20% off their vehicle registrations.
From Monday 1 June to Friday 31 July 2026, Victorians can apply for a 20% rebate on their vehicle registration payments. This will save the average driver up to $186 per vehicle on their 2025–26 vehicle registrations. Find out about the registration rebate.
Free vehicle registration for apprentices
If you are an apprentice and use your car for work, you may be eligible for a 100% discount on your registration. Find out about trade apprentice discounts
Mental health support for business owners
You don't have to do this alone. Access free and confidential mental health support for business owners.
Using Digital ID in your business
Digital ID lets your customers and staff prove who they are using a digital device, without the need for physical cards or paperwork. It can save time, reduce fraud, and help meet legal and privacy requirements. Find out more about the benefits, different kinds of Digital ID and how to choose a provider.
Business viability assessment tool
The ATO’s Business Viability Assessment Tool helps small businesses check if they are financially healthy. The tool shows early warning signs and suggests next steps, including where to go for advice or when to contact the ATO if you are struggling with your business finances. Use the business viability assessment tool
How safe is your business from scams?
From fake invoices and scam calls to fraudulent social media ads and texts, scammers are targeting Victorian businesses in ever-evolving ways. Victorians have lost $4.1 million to false billing scams alone in 2025, proving that dodging fraud can be a full-time job. Find out how safe your business is from scams
Find the licences you need for your business
Use this tool to find out which licences you need to start, run and grow your business. Find out which licences you need to start, run and grow your business.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
