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August 2026
Welcome to the August 2026 edition of the Cardinia Business Newsletter!
This month’s newsletter is packed with opportunities to help local businesses grow, connect and stay informed. Explore free business coaching, networking events, workshops and online training, along with updates on grants, workforce development programs, regulatory changes and business support services available to Cardinia Shire businesses. We also share local news, funding opportunities and practical resources to help businesses build capability, manage change and plan for the year ahead.
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
Expressions of interest invited for Pakenham community carols
Cardinia Shire Council is inviting local community groups and organisations to express their interest in delivering a community carols event in Pakenham in 2026.
As the event transitions to a community-led model, this is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in delivering a much-loved local tradition.
Local community groups and organisations interested in this opportunity are invited to email Active and Connected Communities team by Friday 7 August 2026 to register their interest and receive an application form.
Cardinia Communities Speed Network event
This free annual event brings together community services, educators, health services, businesses, and those working with children and families in Cardinia Shire to connect, build relationships, and refine referral pathways. It’s a fast-paced networking session helping you quickly meet partners, learn who does what, and better link families to the right support.
- Wednesday 19th August 2026
- 9am - 12:30pm (8:30am for breakfast)
- Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Business Coaching Program
Local businesses are invited to join Cardinia Shire Council’s Business Coaching Program, where you can receive tailored expert guidance and personalised support from matched coaches.
Be part of Cardinia Shire’s tourism growth
Cardinia Shire Council has partnered with Yarra Ranges and Nillumbik Shire Councils to form Tourism East.
Tourism East helps local tourism businesses grow through marketing, networking, training, and business support. Join to boost your visibility, attract more visitors, and help strengthen tourism across Cardinia Shire and the surrounding region.
Image courtesy of Tourism East.
Racecourse Road Upgrade
The final stage of the Victoria Government’s Pakenham Roads Upgrade has been completed, with all lanes on Racecourse Road now open to traffic.
New crime reporting procedure for businesses
Retailers can now report retail theft online through Victoria Police, making it faster and easier than the previous phone or in‑person process. Increased reporting will help build a clearer picture of local crime and support more effective policing.
Staff Spotlight - Rosie Hopgood
Rosie first joined Cardinia Shire Council in 2021, before moving into Economic Development team in 2022. As Senior Economic Development Officer, she supports local business growth, workforce capability and a connected business community through targeted programs and partnerships.
With over 10 years experience in communications and marketing across local government and small-to-medium businesses, she is passionate about building a resilient, future-focused local economy through workshops, networking, and initiatives like the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase.
Business events and training
Local opportunities
Business Plan Accelerator workshop
Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August from 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.
Profitable Farming Strategies dinner
Thursday 20 August from 6pm-9pm
All farmers are warmly invited to join Graeme Sait, one of Australia’s leading soil educators, for dinner at the Sherwood Park Orchard Barn. Enjoy a delicious catered two-course meal while connecting with fellow farmers, and hear Graeme share ten top tips designed to help you unlock existing nutrients, improve fertiliser efficiency, boost productivity and profitability, and enjoy farming even more. RSVP here.
Social Media and Content Marketing
Friday 16 October 2026 from 10am-1pm
This Business Victoria is for small business owners and entrepreneurs, who want to master social media and create compelling content. More information coming soon
Small Business Bus - Pakenham
Monday 23 November from 10am-4pm
The Small Business Bus provides advice and support for small businesses. Business advisors from Monarch Institute can help you with 1:1 tailored advice to help you start, build, or transform your small business. More information coming soon.
Online training opportunities
Official launch of the VegMech Technology Catalogue Webinar
Tuesday 4 August from 5pm-6pm
The launch of a comprehensive resource created through the VegMech program to bring together automated and mechanised field machinery solutions for the Australian vegetable industry. Register to attend.
Training for small business success
Essentials to strengthen your small business is a free online learning platform offering over 30 short courses on topics such as starting a small business, cash flow, deductions, GST, superannuation, and more. To complement these resources, the ATO is hosting a Masterclass series throughout August and September to help you understand the essentials of running a successful business. You can find and register for all the upcoming sessions HERE.
Free online cyber security course
Simple online learning for small business owners and employees. Designed for busy small business owners and employees, the short courses are practical, jargon-free and available in a range of formats to suit your learning style and your schedule. Enroll now.
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 - Thursday 6 August from 1pm-4pm
- Maximising Your Marketing - Friday 7 August from 10am-12pm
- Winning Government Grants and Tenders - Monday 10 August from 5pm-7pm
- Social Media and Content Marketing – Tuesday 11 August from 10am-1pm
- Generating Cash Flow - Wednesday 12 August from 1pm-3pm
- Taking Your Business Online - Monday 17 August from 6pm-9pm
- Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online - Tuesday 18 August from 10am-1pm
- Maximising Your Marketing - Wednesday 19 August from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Business events
Victorian Farmers Federation Cardinia Branch Luncheon
Sunday 16 August from 12pm
Local farmers are invited to the upcoming VFF Cardinia Branch Luncheon at the Tooradin and District Sports Club. Guest speaker Nicole Osborne is going to speak on her experience of walking the Kokoda Trail. She has done many walks in England, Europe and New Zealand, but the Kokoda was her most arduous and had a personal connection. Read more
Know Your Grocery Code Training
Want to find out how the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct can protect you as a grower? AUSVEG and NextGen are delivering the Know Your Grocery Code program, proudly supported by the Australian Government. Read more
More information on events can be found on the Cardinia Business website.
Grants and assistance programs
Digital Jobs Program
Take advantage of the Victorian Government's Digital Jobs program to upskill your team. Round 3 of the program is now open and providing fully subsidised digital skills training for leaders and workers in the advanced manufacturing and construction sectors.
Victorian Trees on Farms Program
The Victorian Trees on Farms Program provides grants to rural landowners seeking to integrate trees into their land. The program acknowledges the differing motivations of landowners and is therefore flexible in its approach to species selection and spatial arrangement.
Round 1 of the program closes 1 November 2026.
Amex Shop Small Grants program
American Express is partnering with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses to grow, innovate and support their local communities through the Amex Shop Small Grants program, offering up to 100 grants nationwide.
Mental health coaching for workers
The Before Blue program offers free, confidential mental health coaching for workers in Victorian small and medium businesses. You can access up to eight coaching sessions by phone or video to help you manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
Survey: Potato Workforce Training and Leadership Program
AUSVEG is seeking input from Australian potato growers and potato industry participants to help shape a new five-year Potato Workforce Training and Leadership Program, funded by Hort Innovation.
Looking for business grants and programs? Cardinia Shire Council Grant Finder is a free tool that consolidates grants from the Australian Government, Victorian Government, and Cardinia Shire Council. Filter grants by organisation type, sector, and needed support for relevant funding.
Government announcements
H5 bird flu: current situation
A first case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in Victoria. The disease was confirmed in a greater crested tern at Portland on 30 July.
Score big in the new financial year
With the new financial year here, it’s the perfect time to reset your business strategy and get match‑ready for the months ahead.
Employment news
Fair Work Awards update
The Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman have introduced a new process to identify and fix ambiguities, uncertainties and errors in modern awards. The Ombudsman may refer issues to the Commission through an open, transparent process, with the annual referral process expected to begin in the September quarter of 2026. It aims to improve the clarity and usability of modern awards for employers and employees.
Inspectors focus on Victoria's manufacturing hotspots
WorkSafe is putting Victoria’s manufacturing capital in the safety spotlight after data showed one in ten industry fatalities and injuries occur in a single postcode. Project 3175 will see inspectors target Dandenong and surrounding areas with workplace visits and education to improve safety standards.
Business operations
Unlock new opportunities through innovation
Whether you're improving what you already do or exploring new opportunities, innovation can help your business stay relevant and competitive. It can lead to new products, better processes and more efficient ways of working. Read article here.
Keeping your small business safe
OHS Essentials is a free, independent program funded by WorkSafe Victoria to help small businesses improve workplace safety. Through the program you’ll receive advice from safety experts, including site visits and action plans, to help implement safety procedures. Apply now.
Moving on from your business?
Closing a business can be a difficult decision, whether it's part of a planned transition or changing circumstances. If you're preparing to exit, it's important to understand the steps involved and your obligations. Find out more on closing your business.
Quantum computing is coming. Don’t get left behind
The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre urges Australian organisations to start planning now for post-quantum cryptography. The transition will take time, and organisations with bespoke, legacy or critical systems should act early. Read more about Quantum computing
Updated product safety reporting guidance
Do you supply consumer products? If one of your products causes, or may have caused, death, serious injury or illness, you must report it to the ACCC within 2 days. The ACCC has updated its guidance on mandatory product safety reporting, including a quick reference guide. Check the updated guidance to understand when and how to report incidents. Failing to report can result in penalties. Learn how to submit a mandatory report.
Lights Out On Illicit
Tobacco
From 1 February 2026, significant penalties apply for illicit tobacco offences in Victoria. Businesses that continue to sell tobacco products in Victoria without a license will be committing an offence. Read more about tobacco licensing in Victoria.
Why being easy to contact matters for your business
If customers can't find your opening hours, contact details or answers to their questions, they'll probably try somewhere else. Small changes can make your business much easier to reach. Read more from Business Victoria.
Fuel cost recovery obligations have stopped
The obligations set by the fuel cost recovery order stopped applying from 7 June 2026. This is because the weekly average national terminal gate price for diesel for the week ending 5 June 2026 fell below $2 per litre. Read update.
Tax time myth busting: your business tax questions answered
Don’t let tax time myths trip you up this financial year. Misunderstandings about claims, record‑keeping and lodging can lead to costly mistakes. This tax time, we’re clearing up the confusion so you can manage your tax with confidence. Your tax questions answered.
Help the EPA make your environmental responsibilities easier to understand
EPA Victoria wants to help businesses better understand and meet their environmental responsibilities. Your feedback will help them create practical resources for your business. The survey is anonymous, and your responses will not be used for compliance or enforcement purposes. Take the survey.
Questions? Feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Send an email to business@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit the Cardinia Business website.
