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Week beginning 2 August 2021

RDALC Visit Bio Gro


This week Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) Board members and staff, along with representatives from PIRSA and AusIndustry, had the opportunity to visit Van Schaik’s Bio Gro to learn first hand about this local, family-owned company.

Starting at the Wandilo processing facility, followed by a visit to the Bio Gro headquarters and packaging facility in Mount Gambier, we heard about the company's history, processes and ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Bio Gro's organic recycling solutions work towards easing two of the worlds largest environmental problems - managing waste and conserving resources. 

Every year, Bio Gro's resource recovery facilities located within South Australia and Victoria receive and process in excess of 300,000 tonnes of organic material. This material is a rapidly growing waste stream in Australia and managing this is an important step in mitigating climate change. 

This recovered material doesn’t just get dumped somewhere to decompose on its own. Bio Gro capture the full potential of the resource stream, by professionally converting the material into high quality and nutrient rich products, tailored for a wide range of horticultural and agricultural applications.
 
To learn more about Bio Gro, visit their website here.
 

Regional Airport Funding Announced


Two airports in the Limestone Coast are among the 89 regional airports nationwide which will benefit from grants under Round Two of the Federal Government's Regional Airports Program.

The most recent funding round resulted in successful projects for the Mount Gambier Airport and Kingston Airport. Kingston District Council received a grant of $264,941 to complete upgrades at Kingston SE Airport. The project includes, replacement and upgrade of the old airport lighting control system, as well as extension and reseal of taxiway to create a designated helicopter landing area.

District Council of Grant received a grant of $80,000 for the construction of a new taxiway at the Mount Gambier Airport.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said both Limestone Coast airports will benefit greatly from recent funding, with safety one of the many big improvements.

"These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness," Mr Pasin said.


For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit the Government's website here

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. The Census is the most comprehensive snapshot of the country and tells the story of how we are changing. It includes around 10 million households and over 25 million people.

Census data tells us about the economic, social and cultural make-up of the country. At RDALC we regularly refer to Census data when we are working on regional development projects and preparing economic impact analysis.

In late July, paper forms were delivered to households in some rural and regional areas and by now, you should have received instructions on how to take part.

This year you can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be home on Census night. This is different to past years when you had to fill in your form on Census night. If you are unsure who will be at your home, you can complete your Census on Tuesday 10 August.

For more information on the Census and why it is important, visit the website here.

Planning on Travelling to the Riverland?

On your next road trip north, fruit and vegetables that are at risk from fruit fly cannot travel with you into the Riverland. To protect Riverland growers the ‘bring a receipt’ rule is no longer recognised. For a full list of at risk fruits, visit the PIRSA webpage here

These laws changed on 29 July 2021 and you can call the 24hr Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 for more information.

Fruit and vegetables commercially brought into the Riverland have had the right treatment applied so they can be sold in the Riverland Pest Free Area.

Help support our Riverland growers by doing the right thing. For more information, visit the PIRSA website here.

SA Moves to Low Restrictions
 

As of Thursday 5 August 2021 the following restrictions apply in South Australia:
 

Level 2: Low restrictions

  • 1 person per 2 square metres
  • No communal consumption facilities
  • COVID Management Plans are required for events of more than 1,000 people
  • Shisha ban
  • Masks for high risk settings
  • Masks for personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the personal care service)
  • Restrictions on dancing and singing.

Additional restrictions

  • Seated food and beverage consumption only
  • Private activity cap: 10 (including residents of residential premises)
  • Private activity cap: 50 (only for weddings and funerals outside residential premises)
  • Masks for health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
  • Masks for passenger transport services
  • Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
  • Masks for shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
  • 1/4 density (1 person per 4 square metres) for indoor fitness facilities and other enclosed public places at which a sporting event or sports or fitness training is being held
  • Sports spectator restrictions.

For more information on the Level 2: low restrictions, visit the website here.

For detailed information for Cross Border Communities, visit the website here and for all the latest Travel Restrictions visit the webpage here. 

(Please always check the links above prior to travel or planning events as changes are likely to occur). 

Business Australia

 

Business Australia is a member-owned organisation that provides advice, support, products and services for businesses of all sizes. It costs nothing to join, simply register online using your ABN.
 
Members can access resources including free professional advice, tools and documents designed to help you be more efficient, grow your business and be a better employer.  

You can watch recorded webinars or attend live events. We often list events that we think will be of interest in The Weekly.

Find out more here.

Franchising
 

We get questions at RDALC about becoming a franchisor or franchisee and we admit, we prefer to leave this one to the experts - of course we can help you find the help you need!

The process and legal relationships in franchises are quite complex so it's important that you know what you are getting into. A great place to start is the business.gov.au website. 

Here you can find out what franchising is, the process to become a franchisor or start a business as a franchisee, the Franchising Code of Conduct and your legal and tax obligations.

To read the guide and to access lots of other relevant information, visit the website here

If you are currently in a franchise and are having a dispute, you can seek assistance here at the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). 

Reminder: Webinar Series to Help your Decision Making

A reminder that the ATO are committed to supporting you to improve your skills and knowledge to be successful in your small business venture and offer free webinars on many topics. There are general topics that suit all small businesses and others that are specific to certain industries or situations. ATO also offer some of their webinars in Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.  

For more information, visit the ATO website here

In Conversation with the SA Visitor Information Centre Network

Tourism Industry Council (TicSA)

TiCSA is hosting a free video conference call with the Chair of the South Australian Visitor Information Centre Network, Andy Glen. 

There are 40 Accredited Visitor Information Centres (VICs) across the State. VICs are a great source of information and inspiration, providing visitors with quality service and reliable insight on what experiences and products are on offer in the region.

For tourism businesses, your local visitor centre can also provide critical on-ground marketing opportunities and support through networking and advice.

Get involved in this discussion on how to better utilise and leverage visitor centres as part of your marketing channels to increase visibility and drive demand.

Key topics:

  • The role of VICs
  • Importance of collaboration
  • Support your local VIC can offer & how to access it and
  • Suggestions for improving the collaboration.

When: Wednesday 11 August
Time: 10am – 11am

Register here

Emotional Intelligence for Workplace & Personal Success

Women in Business & Regional Development (WiBRD)

WiBRD would like you to join them at the upcoming Emotional Intelligence for Workplace & Personal Success Workshop.

This is a great opportunity to learn about Emotional Intelligence for your workplace and how you can improve your team’s decision-making, increase productivity to inspire and communicate more effectively.

Di Ind from Di-Monty Training Solutions will present this workshop.

When: Tuesday 17 August
Where: The Commodore
Time: 9am – 12pm
Tickets – *Member: $40  Non-Member: $60
*One Member ticket per Member

Buy your ticket here

Upcoming Webinars & Workshops


Please note that events, particularly in-person events, are subject to change given the unpredictability of the current environment. We recommend that you check in with the event organisers directly. 
Free Intro to Digital Marketing
General Assembly
Tuesday 10 August
Register here

Employment Law Considerations For Family Businesses
Family Business Australia
Wednesday 11 August
Register here

In Conversation with the SA Visitor Information Centre Network
Tourism Industry Council (TiCSA)
Wednesday 11 August
Register here

How to Safeguard Your Business from Cyber Attacks
Business Australia
Thursday 12 August
Register here

Marketing Skills Assessment Lunch & Learn
Association for Data-Driven Marketing & Advertising (ADMA)
Tuesday 17 August
Register here

Emotional Intelligence for Workplace & Personal Success
WiBRD
Tuesday 17 August
Register here
How to Build and Scale Your Small Business
Small Business Commissioner SA
Tuesday 17 August
Register here

The Ins and Outs of Share-based Payments
BDO Australia
Wednesday 18 August
Register here

Regenerative Farming in Your Backyard
The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre
Wednesday 25 August
Register here

Provide First Aid
Tafe SA
Friday 27 August
Register Here

Social Media Mondays
Australian Marketing institute (AMI)
Monday 30 August
Register here

Apply Within: Addressing Australia’s Vacancy Rates
CEDA
Wednesday 8 September
Register here
 
For more upcoming business specific webinars click here >
The South Australian Tourism Conference has been postponed. Please save the date for next year’s Conference still at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Monday 16 May 2022. Stay tuned for more information.

If you have any queries, please contact TiCSA Events Coordinator, Lauren Schroeder on (08) 8231 3085 or email lauren@ticsa.com.au

Nominate a Landcare Hero

 
Landcare SA is inviting nominations for the 2021 SA Landcare Awards. The awards recognise individuals and groups in South Australia for their outstanding contributions to preserving the unique Australian landscape.

Faced with the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires, the impact of the drought and floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Landcarers across South Australia have rallied in the wake of unparalleled challenges. Landcarers have been locally active rebuilding communities with on-ground projects including habitat restoration for threatened species, bushland regeneration, wellbeing and mental health activities.

The 2021 SA Landcare Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and honour Landcare champions from urban and rural communities excelling in sustainable agricultural practices, environmental protection, conservation of land and waterways, coastlines and biodiversity. Take the opportunity to nominate here

Regional Event Fund

South Australian Tourism Commission

 
The SATC Regional Event Fund program aims to strengthen the State’s regional events calendar and drive economic stimulus across the regions beyond the traditionally peak summer tourism period.

The Regional Event Fund aims to:
  • Strengthen the regional events calendar
  • Drive regional visitation in the immediate term and lead to repeat visitation
  • Increase event specific visitor expenditure, particularly from interstate
  • Assist in COVID-19 recovery – recognising that events provide a vibrant and positive social environment for communities
  • Promote a year-round calendar of regional events
  • Encourage sustainable event opportunities to build long term capability
  • Increase collaboration and partnerships among regional event stakeholders, government and commercial partners to deliver stronger outcomes for regional events.
There are four categories available:
  1. Significant Event Funding - A minimum grant of $50,000 is available.
  2. Established Event Funding - Grants between $20,000 and $50,000 are available.
  3. Development Event Funding - Grants between $10,000 and $20,000 are available.
  4. Emerging Event Funding - Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 are available.
Applications for Significant Event Funding can be submitted anytime. 
 
Applications for Established Event Funding, Development Event Funding, and Emerging Event Funding opened 1 August and close 30 September 2021.
 
Please refer to the SATC Website for more information, eligibility criteria and application guidelines. 

Searching for a Grant? 

RDALC provides free access to the Limestone Coast Grant Finder to all businesses, Local Government, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals. The site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available across our region. Follow the link below to check it out!
Visit the Limestone Coast Grant Finder here>
Welcome, Blue Mondo! 

A new coffee and retail shop has recently opened up in the heart of Mount Gambier. 

Blue Mondo was created to offer customers a chance to enjoy ‘old school’ treats in a novel but relaxed environment.

Blue Mondo offers a variety of products including chocolate, coated nuts, confectionery and gift hampers. The range features premium Australian brands such as Koko Black, Moorish Nuts, Anvers Confectionery as well as some more familiar brands and even a few from around the world. They also serve coffee and offer other treats to enjoy in or take away.

Located at 60 Commercial Street West, we cant wait to check it out! Find out more here

How are COVID-19 Restrictions Impacting South Australia's Population Growth?


South Australia has had strong border controls for much of the past year and a half to keep COVID-19 out. How does this affect the population story? We now have information on state and regional populations through to December 2020.

In the latest blog, the .id team look at how the effects of the pandemic relate to South Australia compared to (the more talked about) New South Wales and Victoria.
Read the rest of the blog here >

Administration and Accounting Officer

She's Apples Market


A Permanent Part Time (30hrs) position exists for an enthusiastic and professional Administration and Accounting Officer with She’s Apples Market in Mount Gambier. 

Duties include all administration and accounting functions of the business which, including the following specific functions:
  • Payroll and payroll compliance including HR responsibilities
  • Accounts Payables and Accounts Receivables management and reconciliation
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Producing in-house retail ticketing and notices, price updates etc.
  • POS back-office administration
  • Staff inductions, She's Apples Market WHS & return to work obligations
Applicants should be able to demonstrate organisational skills, ability to work in a team, ability to work unsupervised and have experience with MYOB. We are looking for someone with problem solving skills and strong attention to detail. The successful applicant must be willing to work flexible hours.

Find out more here.

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Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.
PO Box 1445, Mount Gambier, SA 5290, Australia

 
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