Copy
View this email in your browser
Website | Email us | Facebook | LinkedIn | Subscribe
Week beginning 13 December 2021
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for Round 6 of the Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). The BBRF supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.

As with previous rounds, projects will be funded under two streams;

  • The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure
     
  • The Community Investments Stream funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities

Information on the Infrastructure Projects Stream can be found here and you can view the Community Investment Stream information here. You can read the Full Media Release here.

Applications close on Thursday 10 February 2022.

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) can assist applicants with letters of support, economic impact analysis as well as general application guidance. If you are considering applying for the BBRF, please contact Lyn Howes on 08 8723 1057 or lyn@rdalc.org.au

Please note that RDALC office is closed from 12:00pm on Thursday 23 December, reopening at 8:30am on Tuesday 4 January 2022. 

Rural Business Support Pilot Extended

The Australian Government has announced an extension to the Drought Communities Small Business Support Program pilot for 12 months from 1 January 2022.

The pilot, rebadged as the Regional Small Business Support Program, will continue to support small businesses impacted by bushfire and COVID-19, as well as drought, while encouraging more eligible small businesses to apply. The Regional Small Business Support Program will provide free and independent financial counselling for eligible small businesses through the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) program servicing all of regional Australia. 

Rural Business Support (RBS) has been proudly providing the service in South Australia since March 2020. RBS clients work one-on-one with small business financial counsellors and support staff to better understand their financial position, identify risks and opportunities for improvement and implement plans to improve their financial wellbeing.

For more information, visit the website here

Current South Australian Restrictions


Today Premier Steven Marshall announced that Tuesday 28 December is the date for restrictions to be wound back as the state reaches the 90% double vaccination target. This includes changes to the business and activities restrictions and density limits. A full rundown of the changes can be found here.
 

Cross Border Travel

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.

This weeks changes to the Arrivals Associated Direction (previously known as the Cross Border Travel Direction) include: 
  • As at 11:56am International Arrivals who enter South Australia must now complete 7 days of quarantine as directed, this is reduced from 14 days. All other requirements from last week remain
  • Previously, travellers arriving from Moderate Risk LGAs were required to test upon arrival and quarantine until a negative test result. Now they must test upon arrival and quarantine until test taken. However, it is strongly recommended that a person who has received a COVID-19 test should limit their contact with others to avoid them all having to quarantine if the test result is positive. For example, if you visit family and then test positive, the family will all have to quarantine
  • The requirements for Cross Border Community members of Nhill to have a pre-arrival negative test result 72 hours prior to entering SA and those already in SA to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to an authorised officer if requested have been removed
The other Moderate Risk requirements remain unchanged. Find out more here.

All of New South Wales and Victoria remain at Moderate Risk. If Cross Border Community Members leave the Cross Border Corridor into broader New South Wales or Victoria during the period of 7 days before they arrive in South Australia, they are required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 72 hours prior to entering South Australia. For more information on Cross Border Community click here. Other existing requirements remain.
 

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.

Scam alert: Malware Scam Targeting Parcel Delivery SMS


You have probably received an SMS message advising you that your parcel was not delivered, with a 'helpful' link to click on to arrange re-delivery. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is reminding consumers to be aware of the scam, with the SMS looking like a package delivery message from a service such as Australia Post, DHL or Amazon.

If you have received one of these messages, do not open the link without confirming it is legitimate. The prevalence of these messages at this time of the year is so great that I have received two while putting together this article.

By clicking on the link, ACMA advises that you may inadvertently install malware that uses your contact list to send similar text messages to other people without your knowledge, potentially infecting their device. It may also access your personal information and banking details.

To confirm if a package delivery message is real, contact the sender using contact details you’ve identified yourself, such as through an official website, or via information received at the time of the original purchase, such as a tracking number.

If you receive one of these scam SMS messages, ACMA advise that you:

  • Report it to Scamwatch
  • Delete the message and block the number if it is unknown
  • Do not click on any links or call the number
  • If the malware installs, contact your bank and ensure your accounts are secure
  • You may also want to reach out to your telco or an IT professional for further assistance
  • If you have lost personal information to a scammer you can contact IDCARE or call 1800 595 160
  • You can also make a report to ReportCyber if you have been a victim of this cybercrime.
For more information, you can read more here
 

Retaining Customers: Become a Client Magnet

 
With all major industries experiencing interruptions at the moment, what actions can you implement that ensures your clients will want to keep doing business with you?
 
A recent article in Flying Solo suggests that the following concepts are key in retaining clients: 
  • Work with your clients, not just for them
  • Consider the benefits of cultivating joy in the workplace - a happy team will help keep your clients
  • Understand what social issues you can address in your business - clients are actively looking for businesses with a social conscience
As the pandemic continues, how businesses maintain their status as a valued necessity versus a dispensable expense is becoming more relevant. 
 
You can read the full article here. More useful information on looking after your customers can be found here

TiCSA - Vaccine Information for Employers


A few weeks ago TiCSA held a very informative webinar conversation with SA Health and Wallmans Lawyers, covering a range of COVID-19 vaccination related questions for businesses owners and operators. Although this was targeted at the tourism sector, there was lots of great cross-sector information. And the best bit, you are still able to view the recording here.

The Best Big Thing!

ABC Victorian Country Hour presenter Warwick Long has been running a Twitter poll to find Australia's best big thing, and a big resident of the Limestone Coast was the winner.

Our very own Larry the Lobster, proud resident of Kingston SE, defeated the Big Prawn, Big Pineapple and finally Goulburn's Big Merino on its way to victory. 

Well done Larry! 

Penola IGA - Hall of Fame


Congratulations to the wonderful team at Penola IGA who have been inducted to the IGA Hall of Fame. Shane and Kerry McPherson have been in the industry for over 30 years, and have received a number of other awards across the years, including the National Channel Two Store of the Year in 2011 and the Community Award. They were honoured to receive this recognition and look forward to many more years in business. 
Shane and Kerry receiving their award from Metcash Foods General Manager, Matt Roberts. Photo from The Border Watch

Upcoming Webinars & Workshops


As you would imagine, things have slowed down in relation to webinars and workshops in the lead up to Christmas. We have listed some opportunities below that might be of interest but we know that there will be lots more on offer in the new year. 

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. 
Email Marketing Essentials
General Assembly
Tuesday 21 December
Register here

Online Learning Centre - Various Programs
Fair Work Ombudsman
Available Now
View courses here
Starting a Small Business
ATO
Monday 17 January 2022
Register here

Introduction to Business Records
ATO
Tuesday 18 January 2022
Register here
For more business specific webinars click here >

Disability Engagement Group – Have Your Say in the Future of Inclusive SA

 
Inclusive SA is seeking to appoint 12 people with strong knowledge and understanding of disability to be founding members of the new Disability Engagement Group (DEG).

DEG members will provide advice to the Government on future directions of the State Disability Inclusion Plan, Inclusive SA and the trends in the disability sector and emerging issues.

The DEG will comprise of people with lived experience of disability or someone who is a carer, parent or family member of a person with disability and has an interest in disability issues.

Applications deadline: 17 January 2021
Please note that successful members will be notified in late January 2022.

Learn more about applying to join the Disability Engagement Group (DEG).
 

National Consultation on Visitor Economy Strategy

 
The Australian Government, through Austrade, has released a proposed strategy for Australia’s visitor economy and is taking written submissions until 23 December 2021. Alternatively, you can complete a five-minute survey which is open until 3 January 2022.

The proposed strategy recognises the next three years will be focussed on how the industry recovers and returns to pre-COVID visitor expenditure. This is followed by future growth and acceleration up to 2030.

They are seeking stakeholder views and feedback on the draft report, available here. The Tourism Industry Council of SA (TiCSA) is working with the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and other state TICs to develop a joint submission on the proposed strategy, but we encourage you to review the draft and provide your own input. 

New Space Opens for Businesses in Millicent!


A new opportunity to lease office space for people who are in the process of establishing a business, currently working from home or wanting to expand has recently opened in Millicent.
Enquiries should be directed to South East Property Sales and Management via pmadmin@southeastpropertysales.com.au

Modern Manufacturing Initiative Round 2


Businesses can now apply for funding under Round 2 of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative. Funding is available within two streams:
  • Manufacturing Translation stream helps manufacturers translate their high quality research and ideas into commercial outcomes
  • Manufacturing Integration stream supports Australian manufacturers to access domestic and global supply chains and produce and distribute quality products and services into new markets
Eligible projects must align with the National Manufacturing Priority Sectors. The opening date for applications for each of these sectors is listed below:
  • Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing – opened 13 December 2021
  • Space – opened 13 December 2021
  • Medical Products – opened 13 December 2021
  • Food and Beverage – opened 17 December 2021
  • Recycling and Clean Energy – opened 17 December 2021
  • Defence – opened 17 December 2021
Grants of between $1 million to $20 million, up to 50% of the eligible project expenditure.

Applications close 14 January 2022. Please review the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the relevant stream and sector. Further information is available 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 >

Australia’s Low Population Growth Increases Slightly in the June 2021 Quarter

The latest data shows Australia’s population growth increasing slightly in the June 2021 quarter. Glenn from .id analyses the data in relation to COVID-19 and the different drivers of change across the states and territories.

The latest ABS figures for Australia’s population by state and territory are out for the June quarter 2021. This is an important release, which always sneaks in just before Christmas. It’s the full financial year of population data, and it’s the same time period as the local population estimates, which come out each March.

As of 30 June 2021, Australia’s population stood at 25,573,256 – up by 0.18% (+45,989 people) in a year. Our previous blog, for the year ended March, showed 0.14% population growth. So the June quarter just picked up slightly from the very low COVID-affected growth of previous quarters. But it is still the lowest percentage growth since the population declined during World War I (1916). The quarterly growth was 34,300 people, so the June quarter made up most of the year’s growth.

Read the latest blog here >

Personal Trainer 


The Fitness Hubs at Robe, Kingston and Lucindale are looking for someone with a Cert III or Cert IV in Fitness to join their growing team. They are seeking an outgoing, innovative, and personable person that knows how to push clients but at the same time cares for them and their health and fitness journey.

You will need a reliable car for travel between all 3 locations. As well as qualifications in fitness and a love of working with people, you will need to possess computer skills, attention to detail and be a team player. 

This role does involve flexible work hours with early starts and late hours. Up to 10 - 25 hours per week, variable depending on season. 

You can view details here and you can find out more about The Fitness Hubs here.  

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