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Week beginning 4 October 2021

What a Week It Has Been!

After what has been a tumultuous week for businesses (and residents of the 3 affected LGA's) we are pleased to see Commissioner Stevens today (Friday 8 October) announce that our latest COVID-19 incident has not resulted in any further exposure sites or positive cases. The 3 LGAs can now return to Level 1 restrictions as per the rest of South Australia. The Cross Border ‘bubble’ has been reinstated to 70KM however this will exclude Portland while COVID traces in the wastewater are investigated.

Given we are still going to be living with COVID-19 for some time, there are some great resources for business owners/operators available online. These include posters, social media graphics, web and tv screen graphics available for you to print or display in your premises to encourage everyone to practise good hygiene - check out the resources here.

Over $750,000 Invested in Limestone Coast Projects

A total of $757,844 in funding has been announced for 5 projects across the Limestone Coast as part of Round 5 of the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Government’s investment will deliver better facilities and economic opportunities for the region. “I have worked closely with the applicants of these projects and I’m so pleased to have secured this funding for the Limestone Coast.” Mr Pasin said.

Women In Business & Regional Development: $20,000
The project will connect up to 170 current members and aspiring business women over two years with an objective to improve their leadership capabilities and confidence via a structured mentoring program led by Women in Business & Regional Development. This will be delivered both via their website as an online mentor portal and through community based opportunities.

Limestone Coast Food Group: $19,930
The project will develop a strategic food plan for the Limestone Coast Region that will direct the development of the region's food industry.

Millicent & District International Basketball Assoc. Inc.: $211,000
The project will upgrade the current storage and seating area to an enclosed accessible multi court viewing area.

Tatiara District Council: $335,000
Housing for Growth - Tatiara Workers Accommodation. The project will build two four-unit accommodation blocks at the Bordertown Caravan Park.

Blue Lake Golf Club Inc.: $171,914
The project will construct an 18-hole mini golf course.

For the full list of successful projects, please visit the website here. You can read the latest media release from Tony Pasin MP here.

Current South Australian Restrictions

Cross Border Travel

The Cross Border Travel Associated Direction is expected to be updated later today (Friday 8 October). We recommend keeping an eye on the relevant webpage here for current interstate travel restrictions and how these directions are applied.

Essential Travellers - Vaccinations

As of 6 October 2021, Commercial Transport and Freight Workers entering South Australia by road must provide evidence of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination if they have been in NSW, Victoria or ACT in the 14 days prior to their arrival. South Australia Police have emailed all current holders of this class of Essential Traveller required to provide evidence of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Other categories of Essential Traveller who have been in NSW, Victoria or ACT in the 14 days prior to arrival (namely National and State Security and Governance, Emergency Services Workers, Remote or Isolated Worker, Specialist Workers in Essential Sectors, Passing Through, and Foreign Diplomatic or Consular Staff) must provide evidence of having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination if arriving after 12.01 am on Monday, 11 October.

Find out more here and read the FAQ's here

Public Activities:

As at 10:52am on Friday, 8 October 2021, all people residing in the Mount Gambier City, District Council of Grant and Wattle Range Council are now subject to the same level of restrictions as the rest of the state – Level 1 with modifications.

Level 1 restrictions:

3/4 density (for seated activities)
No communal consumption facilities
1/2 density (for non-seated activities)
1/4 density (indoor fitness facilities)
Seated food and beverage consumption only for indoor defined public activities
COVID Management Plans required for events of more than 1,000 people
Shisha ban
Gathering at home cap: 20 (gatherings at residential premises, including residents of residential premises)
Private activity cap: 150 (private activities at non-residential premises)
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)

Additional restrictions:

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)
Restrictions on dancing and singing other than dancing at private functions and private activities & cap of 50 dancing
Private activities with food and beverage consumption whilst standing at 1/2 density and approved contact tracing system & cap of 150
Private functions with food and beverage consumption while standing at 1/2 density with approved contact tracing system & (when indoors) cap of 150 (at relevant or ongoing licensed premises.

Note: An approved contact tracing system (QR code) is generated from a COVID Safe Plan.

The information above only highlights the key changes made to the Directions and does not reflect all requirements. For the full details visit the SA Government's COVID-19 website here.

If you require further information, you can call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 9am to 5pm 7 days per week or visit the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19.

New Super Information for Employers

From 1 November, you may have an extra step before you can pay super contributions on behalf of new employees. Check if you need to request stapled super fund details from the Australian Tax Office if someone you hire doesn’t choose their own super fund.

Haven’t heard of a stapled super fund before? It’s an existing super account which is linked, or 'stapled', to an individual employee so that it follows them as they change jobs. Find out more here.

Tax Exemptions for Businesses

The South Australian Government has announced that support cash grants paid to COVID-affected SMEs will be declared non-assessable for income tax purposes, ensuring businesses can use the full value of the grants to support their organisation. Find out more here.

30 Day Small Business Health Kick

Are you feeling lost or defeated in your business development journey?

The free 30 Day Small Business Health Kick series is designed to give the Australian small business community a boost of motivation and direction for developing their digital capacity and improving their online presence.

The series consists of 30 blog articles with short videos, examples and instructions to help you:

improve your presence on social media
improve your website
assess your competitors and more

The challenges range from tasks that can be completed in under 3 minutes to longer activities, plus some activities to add to your regular digital or marketing schedule. Access is free and there is no registration or login required. Find out more here.

Boosting Apprenticeships Program

The $3.9 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program will extend support into the second and third year of an eligible Australian Apprenticeship through the $716 million Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.

Under the new changes from October 2021, eligible employers will receive a 10 per cent wage subsidy in the second year of an eligible apprenticeship, and five per cent in the third year. The Federal Government’s investment is expected to continue to support the 270,000 anticipated commencements under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program from October 2020 to March 2022.

For further information, including information on eligibility, click here or contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

Nominations are open now for the Citizen of the Year Awards!

The Awards reward and recognise individuals and organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution to a local community, above and beyond normal employment duties. Nominations close 24 November 2021. Find out more here.

Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness

Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce

The Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce (MGCoC) invites all Mount Gambier businesses to their October Mix & Mingle event.

Over the past year Mount Gambier seems to have seen an increase of shoplifting and vandalism across the city. Or is this just the case of being more aware as a community, due to social media and video surveillance?

Join MGCoC, SAPOL and John Williamson from ASW Lawyers to discuss the current levels of activity in our region, what business owners and community can do to prevent these incidents, and what to do if it does happen to you.

This is a great informal networking opportunity, with nibbles provided and complimentary drink on arrival for Mount Gambier Chamber members. The event will be held at The Gambier Hotel - 1862 Room on Tuesday 12 October starting at 5.30pm. Due to COVID restrictions tickets are limited. Please click here to register to attend.

AusIndustry Workshop in Mount Gambier

This full-day learning event covers 2 business elements to strategically drive business growth

Marketing & Inbound Marketing:
This forum will focus on demystifying the marketing process, inbound marketing process, social media and website marketing. The aim is to achieve the strategic engagement of all on-line marketing to create an effective digital marketing system.

Strategic Negotiation & Influencing Capability:
This workshop presents three interlocking core components - Plan, Engage and Decide for successful collaborative negotiation. Participants will engage in interactive workshops to practise the theory and utilise the tools provided during the course of the program.

When: Monday, 25 October 2021
Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm (lunch provided)
Where: The Commodore, 1 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier SA 5290
RSVP: here

India Wine Market Intelligence Webinar

Department for Trade and Investment

The Indian Wine Expansion Program will support South Australian wine producers already exporting to India to tap into new market opportunities, as well as those wineries looking to expand their international footprint into the India market. The program will provide Indian consumers with the chance to try more of South Australia’s premium wines.

South Australian wineries are invited to attend a webinar to learn about the wine market and how to grow wine exports in India.

The webinar will cover topics such as:

Path to enter Indian wine market as a new exporter
The regulatory framework governing the import of wines
Strategies to strengthen your brand within the Indian market
Emergence of e-commerce and wine retail sector

For more information and registrations, click here.

Get Above the Rest When Tendering

The Office of the Industry Advocate will be running the next Supply to Gov workshop designed to help businesses maximise success when tendering or quoting for government contracts.

This workshop will be in a new panel format, focusing on the Goods and Services sector in South Australia.

Following the panel discussion a Supply to Gov presentation will be delivered by Phillip Dowsett, covering:

How the government markets work
Knowing your customer
Understanding the process
Finding opportunities
Building relationships

This workshop will be held in-person, at the State Administration Centre in Adelaide on 14 October. To register to attend, please click 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.

5 Benefits of a Password Protection Strategy
Business Australia
Tuesday 12 October
Register here

Advanced Social Media Strategy
General Assembly
Tuesday 12 October
Register here

B2B Digital Marketing Strategies
General Assembly
Wednesday 13 October
Register here

Selling Your Business During COVID
BusinessSA
Wednesday 13 October
Register here

Mental Health in Family Business Panel Session
Family Business Australia
Thursday 14 October
Register here

WiBRD International Rural Women’s Day Luncheon
Women in Business and Regional Development (WiBRD)
Friday 15 October
Register here

Keeping Your Business off the Phishing Hook
Business Australia
Tuesday 19 October
Register here

The Entrepreneurs’ Marketing and Sales Summit
The Entourage
Tuesday 19 October
Register here

IFRS Webinar Series
More Complex Tax Accounting
BDO Australia
Wednesday 20 October
Register here

Virtual Business Owners’ Roundtable
The Alternative Board Australia
Tuesday 21 October
Register here

Technology’s Role in Cyber Security
Business Australia
Monday 25 October
Register here

Superannuation Changes and your Business
Business Australia
Wednesday 27 October
Register here

Women in Cyber – Cyber Week
Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre
Thursday 28 October
Register here

Did you Know Cybercriminals are Attracted to Small to Medium Sized Businesses?
Family Business Australia
Friday 29 October
Register here

For more upcoming business specific webinars click here >

Export Council of Australia Online Courses

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) has developed a series of online courses for organisations wanting to understand export documentation requirements and/or gain assistance in training their team in processing documentation correctly and efficiently. There are 3 upcoming workshops in the month of October:

International Contracts of Sales and Incoterms
Export Documentation and Procedures Plus Costing for Export Online Course
International Payment Documentation and Risk Management Online Course

For registrations and more information, please click here.

Asia House is a new Asian Fusion restaurant located in the heart of Millicent. The menu offers a wide range of flavourful Asian fusion and Western cuisine, including noodles, soups, scones, cakes, burgers and more.

Check out the Asia House Facebook page for more information. You'll find the restaurant at 2 Adelaide Road, Millicent.

Nominations Open Now

The ABC is looking for Trailblazers aged 18 to 28 who are doing inspiring things in their regional town. From young community leaders to social entrepreneurs, advocates to event organisers, they’re looking for young people with a commitment to making regional Australia even better.

Trailblazers will have their work featured on the ABC and receive an amazing package of support.

Apply Now, or if you have questions, email abcheywire@abc.net.au. Applications close Wednesday 10 November 2021.

SA Food and Beverage Industry Census 2021

The 2021 South Australian Food and Beverage Industry Census has been launched by the Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon Stephen Patterson MP and is now live. This is the only food and beverage industry specific benchmarking survey and will give food and beverage manufacturers evidence to assess your business against industry standards. Find out more and do the census here.

Tatiara Community Grants

Funding is now available to support the Tatiara local community to undertake projects, improve facilities and host events that will make the Tatiara an even better place.

Funding is provided through minor grants ($1,500 and under) and major grants (above $1,500). Four different funding categories are available and summarised in the program guidelines here.

All grant applicants must contact the Director Corporate & Community Services who will provide advice and guidance to assist applicants develop their project. For more information call (08) 8752 1044 or email office@tatiara.sa.gov.au. Applications for Major Grants close 20 October 2021.

Circular Economy Market Development Grants

Green Industries SA has grants available for organisations that design, apply and scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices.

Up to $100,000 per applicant is available to local councils, industry associations, not-for-profit organisations, research institutes and businesses that design, apply and scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices or produce, manufacture, sell or promote South Australian recycled materials and/or recycled-content products.

Applications close 5 November 2021. Find out more here.

Active Club Program

The Active Club Program (ACP) provides funding support to active recreation and sport clubs to purchase equipment and further develop the programs and services they provide within the South Australian community.

Whilst applicants cannot apply for a specific amount, grants of either $1,500 or $3,000 will be available for each applicant based on the membership of the club. For eligible applicants with less than 100 members the maximum grant available will be $1,500 and for applicants with 100 or more members the maximum grant available will be $3,000.

Successful recipients of an ACP Grant can use funds to cover costs associated with enabling participation in sport. For more detail, please refer to the Program Guidelines. Applications close 17 November 2021. Find out more here.

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.

Visit the Limestone Coast Grant Finder here >

Less Deaths in 2020 Despite the Pandemic

Death statistics are probably not the most cheerful of datasets to look at but they are one of the key indicators that inform our demographics and our population totals. (The population will grow as long as there are more births than deaths, for instance, in the absence of migration.) Over the last year, the ABS has been releasing provisional mortality statistics for Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we’ve sort of had a sneak preview.

In his latest blog, Glenn from .id takes a look at the recently released ABS death statistics for 2020 – and finds a cheerier tale than you may expect.

Read the latest blog here >

Director of Nursing

Keith & District Hospital

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Director of Nursing to join the team at Keith and District Hospital Inc. The hospital is currently undergoing significant redevelopment and expansion of its aged care facility with Stage 1 completion this month and Stage 2 completion in February 2022. This will increase its capacity from 18 aged care beds to 28 aged care beds.

Keith and District Hospital Inc. has a vibrant, family friendly atmosphere employing many staff from the local and extended communities. They offer great working conditions, competitive remuneration, and encourage on-going professional development for all staff.

A proven leader in Aged Care, is being sought to work in collaboration with the CEO and Board of Directors to provide safe quality care and services to residents and patients. This role is to strategically drive systems to deliver a sustainable not-for-profit business in healthcare back to its community. The Director of Nursing plays a pivotal role to lead, promote and ensure that the Hospital's mission statement and core values are met at all times.

This position is being offered as a fixed contract part time opportunity, working 3 days per week. 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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