Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase 2026 now open

Cardinia Shire Council is thrilled to reveal the comeback of the Jobs and Skills Showcase for its fourth consecutive year!

We extend a warm invitation to local businesses to participate in this vibrant community gathering. Join us for a fantastic chance to engage with local job seekers, showcase employment and volunteer openings, and contribute to shaping future career paths and educational journeys within Cardinia Shire.

Officer District Park:
Food trading EOI's now open

Cardinia Shire Council is inviting mobile food businesses to apply for exclusive roadside trading permits at the new Officer District Park on Lansell Avenue. Three permits are available—one each for a coffee truck, ice cream truck, and food van. Successful applicants will operate in prime locations within the park from 21 October 2025 to 20 October 2026.

Expressions of interest close Friday, 5 September at 5pm.

New mental health support service

Cardinia Shire Council welcomes the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local service by the Victorian Government. Provided by Mind Australia and Monash Health, once established, it will offer free walk-in mental health support without requiring a Medicare card or GP referral. This initiative addresses gaps in early intervention and local access, benefiting Cardinia's community wellbeing with its growing population and limited services.

Opportunity for Business Connections

A new noodle manufacturer is set to launch operations in our Shire and is seeking introductions to local meat, vegetable, and seafood suppliers. This is an opportunity for local producers to establish a partnership with the emerging manufacturer and highlight the quality of our region's produce.

Interested? Contact Sid Verma at business@cardinia.vic.gov.au for further information.

Looking for a space to hire?

Cardinia Cultural Centre is the ideal venue for your next business event. Whether you're planning a small team meeting or a large-scale presentation, their flexible spaces can be tailored to suit your needs. With professional support in AV, catering, staging, and access to essentials like whiteboards and stationery, your event is set up for success.

Plant and soil health seminar – Pakenham

This half-day event on Wednesday 10 September, presented by Agriculture Victoria as part of the Veggie Box series, features international soil expert Joel Williams, who will discuss foliar nutrition and soil management techniques, particularly for baby leaf and brassica crops. 

Register on the Agriculture Victoria website

Business Plan Accelerator Workshop

The Business Plan Accelerator Workshop will take place on 11 and 12 September at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to accelerate the development of a business plan to support individual business objectives.

Register on the Transend website.

Tourism industry networking event

Tourism East, previously Yarra Ranges Tourism, invites Cardinia Shire businesses to its first industry gathering on Wednesday 1 October. Eligible businesses can get two free tickets each to network and learn about Visitor Economy Partnership.

Register on the Tourism East website

New Business Group

Connect with other local businesses at the inaugural Officer Ward Cardinia Business Group O.N.E. Meeting held at the Dining Room Chambers of the Cardinia Civic Centre on the first Friday of every month. The event commences at 7pm and concludes at 8pm. Attendance is free of charge.

Interested in attending? Please contact Cr. Potter at s.potter@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Energy Bill Relief Fund

The Energy Bill Relief Fund is a direct energy bill rebate provided by the Australian Government. Australian households and eligible small businesses with electricity bills may receive up to $150 in Energy Bill Relief from 1 July 2025.

Victorian Energy Upgrades for businesses

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers businesses discounts on the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products by partnering with accredited providers. 

Victorian TAFE Network (VTN) scholarship

The VTN Hospitality Scholarship Program provides aspiring hospitality professionals with a $10,000 scholarship to support their studies and address skill shortages in Victoria's food and beverage industry.

Improve your recruitment process

Workforce Australia is your go-to national hub for free resources to help businesses advertise job vacancies, recruit staff and access financial support.

Have your say: Working from home legislation

The Victorian Government wants public input on a proposed law for employees to work from home at least two days a week, aiming to support flexible work, increase productivity, and enhance work-life balance.

Right to disconnect started on 26 August 2025

Right to disconnect laws now apply to small business employers and their employees from Tuesday 26 August 2025.

Counselling and coaching for apprentices or trainees

The Apprentice Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support to apprentices and trainees across Victoria. 

Guides to protect Apple, Google and Microsoft devices

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, and Cyber Wardens have collaborated to produce 3 cybersecurity guides for small businesses.

Download guide

Unlock the power of AI for your business

Find out how the AI Adoption Tracker can give your business insight into how other small and medium businesses in Australia are using AI. 

Unlock the power of AI for your business

Is it time for a pricing refresh?

Find out what you need to consider when you price your products and services, including the types of pricing strategies, legislation obligations, what your price should include, and where to conduct research.

Develop a pricing strategy

Is your Wi-Fi router secure from cybercriminals?

Old or outdated routers can make your networks vulnerable to malicious activity. Don’t let your router be an easy target for cybercriminals. The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on securing your network

Secure your Wi-Fi and router

Free cyber security certification for small businesses

Small businesses completing the free Cyber Wardens program get a $95 bronze certification, an internationally recognised cyber security standard.

CyberCert x CyberWardens partnership

How to manage your tobacco licence

Starting July 1, 2025, new rules and penalties for selling tobacco in Victoria apply. This covers retail and wholesale transactions. Tobacco licenses are annual and must be renewed by June 30 each year. Display your license and follow its conditions.

More on tobacco licences