Copy
View this email in your browser
Website | Email us | Facebook | LinkedIn | Subscribe
Week beginning 22 November 2021

Regional Business Information Roadshow 


It was great to see over 30 businesses and 60 attendees come to Tuesday’s Regional Business Information Roadshow. Sponsored by the Adelaide Business Hub and facilitated by CEO City of Mount Gambier, Sarah Philpott, guest speakers included State and Federal Government representatives, Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business and Regional Development.

Presentations covered starting/growing a business, addressing workforce needs, investment, export and trade, financial support and commercialising novel products, as well as connecting with other businesses and agency representatives. If you missed out on the Roadshow and would like to get in touch, please email us at info@rdalc.org.au

Supporting Employment Opportunities in Partnership with Red Cross


The Mount Gambier Red Cross team ran an employment information session this week on Tuesday, November 23. This session supported participants from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds, covering topics including writing resumes and cover letters, interview skills, what working in Australia is like and work rights. RDALC Project Support Officer Lance Pedlow spoke to the group on how to find jobs in the Limestone Coast region. Lance shared the process he follows in finding jobs, participants found this of great interest and many questions were asked about what opportunities exist within our region.

Current South Australian Restrictions

Cross Border Travel


As we transition to the next phase of our COVID-Recovery, there are new processes in place to keep South Australians safe. 
  • Upload your digital vaccination certificate to the mySA Gov app;
  • To enter SA, you must now apply through EntryCheck SA;
  • Depending on your EntryCheck SA assessment you may need to use HealthCheck SA to guide you through your testing and quarantine requirements 

Business Information

Business restrictions are currently in place in South Australia. For the latest health advice visit SA Health. 

Check that you're doing the right things to ensure the safety of your staff, customers and community - refer to the trusted resources below:  Businesses are reminded to have QR codes displayed near their entrances and to ensure customers are checking in via QR codes, or paper registers, when entering the premises.


Public Activities

South Australia is currently under Level 1 restrictions with some additional restrictions. For the full details, visit the SA Government COVID-19 website.

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.

So Borders Have Opened, What Now?


As a business owner, you know that things are going to change over the next few weeks and months with South Australia’s borders opening to Victoria and New South Wales. Given we know that we are in for a bumpy time, it’s important that you look at your business practices and processes in relation to managing COVID-19.

You might like to clarify your policies and procedures from a COVID perspective. Are you encouraging or mandating vaccination for your staff and are you allowing unvaccinated visitors into your office? You can find more information on vaccinations here.

Think about setting-up your business for enduring success post borders reopening. Have you reassessed your business strategies and plans and do your current plans fit with the rapidly changing environment?  
You can access business plan templates here.

We know that there are ongoing issues with supply chains so it's key to think about how you can protect your business as best you can from supply chain vulnerability. Have you identified additional suppliers for critical parts? For more information on supply chain vulnerability, you can read the interim report here or here.

And it’s time to start planning for the next financial year (2022-2023). Are you confident that you will succeed? What are your plans? Do you need a hand?
 
For access to low cost business mentoring and workshops, visit ASBAS/ABH or contact Jess on 8723 1057. 

RDSA Blueprint - 2nd Edition

Regional Development South Australia presents their Second Edition of the South Australian Regional Blueprint. It has been developed for all levels of Government and key stakeholders to refer to when they are seeking information about the regions.

The Blueprint is attentive to Local Government economic priorities and key strategies of state and federal governments including the Regional Development Strategy, Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA, the State Government’s Growth State Agenda Priorities, the South Australian Tourism Commission’s SA Regional Visitor Strategy, the Australian Government’s priorities for the regions and respective regionalisation policies. The document is available here.

Visa Changes Announced

​
The Government have made changes to the migration program, making it easier for highly skilled migrants to remain in Australia and to continue working in critical sectors as our economic recovery continues.

These visa changes will improve access to permanent residence for existing Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa holders in the short-term stream and for the legacy Temporary Work Skilled (subclass 457) visa holders who no longer meet the age requirement.

There are currently about 20,000 primary Temporary Skill Shortage and 457 visa holders in Australia who may benefit from these arrangements. The Government will also extend visas for the 9,000 skilled regional (provisional visa) holders (subclass 489, 491 and 494) in recognition that this cohort has been adversely affected by COVID-19 related travel restrictions.​

The Government has announced further measures to support the return of international students and graduates, bolstering the international education industry by:
  • Allowing Temporary Graduate visa holders, who have been unable to travel to Australia as a result of COVID-19 international border restrictions, to apply for a replacement visa;
  • Increasing the length of stay on Temporary Graduate visas in the Masters by Coursework and Vocational Education and Training (VET) streams;
  • ​Simplifying the requirements for Temporary Graduate visa applicants for VET sector graduates; and
  • Extending the existing measure for student and temporary graduates to recognise time spent offshore studying online to count towards qualifying for a Temporary Graduate visa application.
For more information please visit the Department of Home Affairs website here.

Funding Boost for Nature-based Tourism Sector


Visitors will soon get the opportunity to experience upgraded accommodation in the beautiful Limestone Coast region at South Australia’s newest glamping site, Dingley Dell. Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park has received $233,000 for their $466,000 accommodation and upgrades project at Dingley Dell through the South Australian Governments Nature-based Tourism Fund.

The grant will be used to develop 20 new glamping tent sites near the heritage-listed museum cottage in Dingley Dell Conservation Park, on the outskirts of Port MacDonnell. The cottage, home to Adam Lindsay Gordon, one of Australia's most famous poets, will also be upgraded, along with new amenities and ongoing maintenance of the stables and gardens. Find out more here.

Out and About Clothing Crowned Best in Customer Service


Congratulations to the team at Out and About Clothing in Keith, winners of the Customer Service Award at the 2021 SA Community Achievement Awards. Celebrating among 400 finalists and semi finalists in the Hilton Adelaide, the South Australian Community Achievement Awards are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions individuals, communities, and businesses are making throughout the community in South Australia. 

"I've always run with the motto that to do something well you’ve got to love what you do. I’m lucky enough to really love what I do and have surrounded myself with a group of ladies that also love what they do and who have dedicated themselves to helping me turn Out & About into something great!" said owner Christine.

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 with event organisers directly. 
3 Ways to Get Your Team Firing and Ready for 2022
Business Australia
Tuesday 30 November
Register here

Public Lecture – Trees into Farming Launch
University of South Australia (UniSA)
Thursday 2 December
UniSA Mount Gambier Campus
Register here

Going Global
Australian Trade and Investment Commission
Friday 3 December
Register here
 
Retail and Commercial Leasing
Small Business Commissioner SA
Tuesday 7 December
Register here

What to Expect From Australia’s Property Market in 2022
Family Business Australia
Tuesday 7 December
Register here

 Power up Your LinkedIn Presence
Business Australia
Wednesday 8 December
Register here
 
Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster Launch
Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster
Thursday 9 December
Farmers Leap Wines
Register here
 
Digital Marketing 101: Bringing Awareness to Your Brand
General Assembly
Friday 10 December
Register here
 
Free Intro to Instagram Marketing
General Assembly
Tuesday 14 December
Register here
 
Regional Data Hub Economic Development Australia Consultation Session
Economic Development Australia (EDA)
Wednesday 15 December
Register here
 
Business Accelerator Program Systemising Growth
BusinessSA
Wednesday 15 December
Register here

 
For more upcoming business specific webinars click here >

Gain Advanced Clinical Practice Skills in Working with Families Who Experience Domestic and Family Violence


Building on existing frameworks for screening and information sharing, this workshop takes a deep dive into the therapeutic skills required to work with families experiencing domestic and family violence.

Learning outcomes:
  • Understand the relationship between domestic and family violence and alcohol and other drug use
  • Learn how to identify and respond to domestic and family violence when working with some or all of the family
  • Apply best practice interventions to families experiencing domestic and family violence
  • Networking opportunity
Spaces are limited and RSVP is essential by 14 February 2022, please contact emmastapleton@smlc.com.au. For enquiries please contact Sophie on sophiebourchier@smlc.com.au or call 0492 342 175.
Do you have a vision to champion regional women as leaders and change makers? Then Women in Business and Regional Development (WiBRD) would love to partner with you!

WiBRD are currently seeking expressions of interest for their exclusive major partner. As Major partner you will be investing in your community while promoting and supporting your business, your employees and yourself, connecting with your community.

WiBRD have a clear mission to grow the potential of regional women and support them to create powerful legacies. As one of the highest profile member based organisations in the area, they have supported and developed the capabilities of regional women for over 23 years. Their focus is to support, grow and connect our community through events, training programs, mentoring and online member platform.

Expressions of Interest close 6 December 2021. Download the form here. 

Dream to Create

 
Dream to Create is a Creative Person Centred Program that provides unique and meaningful centre based art and craft, and social and community activities for people with a disability. They are located at 97 Commercial Street West in Mount Gambier and can be reached via their Facebook page or email admin@dreamtocreate.com.au

New Way Ahead for Ag Workforce


AgUp Grants will support initiatives to develop and retain agricultural workers. The $7.3 million AgUP grants program will support industry led initiatives to develop career pathways and upskill, train and mentor agricultural workers. 

Eligible organisations can apply for grant assistance of 33% of their project budget or $350,000 (whichever is the lesser amount), for co-funded industry-led (agriculture, fisheries and forestry) initiatives.

The AgUP Program 2022 (Round 1) opens for applications on 23 November 2021 closing on 20 January 2022. Find out more here.

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 3


The $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

Councils can nominate a broad range of local road projects for funding under the program, such as traffic signs, street lighting, bridges, tunnels, rest areas or even road and sidewalk improvements.
Community infrastructure projects can include upgrading park and play facilities, installing Wi-Fi networks or safety-boosting closed circuit TV, or improving bike and walking paths. Find out more here.

Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund – Round 2


The Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund provides industry and education providers with funding to deliver innovative projects that meet local requirements to quickly improve the quality or availability of cyber security professionals in Australia.

Grants from $250,000 up to $3 million to fund 50% of eligible project expenditure for organisations partnering together to find innovative new ways to improve the quality or availability of cyber security professionals in Australia.

Applications close 6 December. Find out more here.

NBN Grants


The nbn™ Grants Program recognises and showcase regional and remote businesses, who are:
  • Innovators or entrepreneurs inspiring others in their community
  • Champions of digital adoption
  • Continuing to facilitate the digital capabilities and benefits of the nbn™ network
  • Advocates of supporting regional businesses
Through this grant program, they aim to encourage businesses from regional or remote areas with their technology-led ideas, with the aim of facilitating and supporting further growth.

Applications close 30 November. 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 >

Interpreting Census Data at the Local Level


Seven months out from first the release of 2021 Census data, the team at .id are already working to ensure insights from this key demographic dataset are available to partners in local government and related organisations as early as possible. In this blog Daniel shares how they’re working with partners to review how they define geographic areas within their LGAs and how this informs the team's Census preparation work.
Read the latest blog here >

Barry Maney Group

Multiple Positions Available

 

The Barry Maney Group (BMG) believe that their ongoing success greatly depends on their outstanding team.

With over 45 years of industry experience, the Barry Maney Group is a trusted leading name in the Vehicle Sales and Service industry and the local community. In early 2019, BMG became part of the CMV Group of Companies, which has been operating for over 85 years in South Australia and Victoria. The business works closely with their various franchise partners and are authorized Dealers for iconic brands such as Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen cars along with Kenworth, DAF and Hino trucks. BMG are authorized dealers for iconic brands, Volkswagen, Ford and Hyundai cars and Kenworth, DAF and Hino trucks, providing sales, service and quality parts to our valued customers.

BMG are currently recruiting for the following seven positions:

  • New Car Accessory Fitter
  • Qualified Light Vehicle Technician 
  • Qualified Heavy Diesel Technician
  • Truck Pre-Delivery Fitter / Trades Assistant 
  • Truck Service Trades Assistant
  • New Car Accessory Fitter

To find out more about these positions click here. To apply for a position at the Barry Maney Group please download and complete the Application for Employment form.

To submit your application please email your completed Application for Employment form, along with your cover letter and resume to Human Resources; careers@barrymaney.com.au or call us today on 8721 3445. 

Want to change how you receive The Weekly?

 
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.
PO Box 1445, Mount Gambier, SA 5290, Australia
 
Got a good story to share? Contact us >
LinkedIn
Facebook
Website