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Week beginning 7 March 2022

International Women's Day


Today we were thrilled to take part in the International Women's Day (IWD) breakfast, hosted by the Women in Business and Regional Development. IWD is an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Streaming the 2022 Adelaide IWD celebration hosted by Penny Wong and in conversation with Grace Tame, the event was a wonderful opportunity to network with others in the community and enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by Metro Bakery and Cafe. 

During the morning we also heard from Jenna Douglas from Little Birdie and local host Jo Hodges from The Nourish Nook. 

Thanks to the amazing women from WiBRD for another great event!

RDALC Board member Liz McKinnon, Elise Gordon (AusIndustry), RDALC CEO David Wheaton and team Oscar Steele, Glenda McInerny and Jess Carolane, and Melissa Hunter (Dairy SA).

South Australian COVID Regulations


Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has announced changes to the COVID-19 restrictions on hospitality businesses and private functions. These will come into effect at 12:01 am on Saturday, 12 March.
  • All density restrictions across all public activities will be lifted
  • All density restrictions at home gatherings will be lifted
  • Singing and dancing will be allowed
  • QR code check-ins will no longer be required for recreational transport, public transport, and taxi and rideshare services
  • Isolation requirements reduced from 10 days to 7 days for some groups of people, based on SA Health advice
 For the list of current activity restrictions, visit covid-19.sa.gov.au

For information on when or how to get tested, vaccine information or if you have tested positive or are a close contact, visit the SA Health website for information here. A full list of requirements regarding testing and quarantine of people who have been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 is available here.

Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case are eligible to collect a Rapid Antigen Test kit from a nominated collection point. Find out more here

You can also call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 from 8am to 8pm everyday. For all South Australian relevant information visit the website www.sa.gov.au/covid-19

Take Part in the New and Emerging Business Survey

Ahead for Business is partnering with Foundwell to improve mental health and wellbeing support for new business owners throughout the start-up process.

People who have started a business in Australia in the last five years are encouraged to take the 10-minute survey to share how they manage the daily challenges of starting a business.

The confidential survey includes questions about your business, your wellbeing and what types of support you would find useful.

New business owners can also take part in an optional follow-up interview with a researcher, if they would like to talk about their experiences.

These insights will help shape mental health and wellbeing support for new small business owners, founders and entrepreneurs. Find out more here

Supporting the Financial Wellbeing of Small Business Owners


Small business owners are the backbone to the Australian economy, however many are experiencing significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disaster events.
Is your business experiencing financial hardship caused by COVID-19 or natural disasters? The Small Business Debt Helpline can help, regardless of the cause of the hardship. The Helpline is a dedicated financial counselling service offering free, independent, and confidential phone-based support to small business owners. 

Access the Small Business Debt Helpline by calling 1800 413 828 between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday AEDT.

Replace the Waste Phase 2


Phase two of South Australia’s ‘Replace the Waste’ initiative came into effect on Tuesday, banning the distribution and manufacture of expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers.

From March 1, 2022 expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers will be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia. Oxo-degradable plastic products will also be prohibited from production, manufacture, supply and sale in the state. 
 

South Australia’s Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 is the first legislation of its kind in Australia. It’s a positive step towards avoiding waste and reducing the harm caused to our wildlife, including marine life, through litter and pollution. 

For further information on the initiative, visit the website here

NewAccess for Small Business Owners


NewAccess for Small Business Owners has received additional funding that will extend the program to December 31, 2022, enabling more small business owners to take proactive steps to improve their mental health. NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders, the support they need. 

This will give the service the capacity to support another 2,565 participants. It is free, requires no doctor’s referral, and is available out of usual business hours by telehealth (telephone or online).  

Find out more here.

Act Now to be Cyber Safe

Webinars for food and beverage industry


Don't risk your business - develop your cyber awareness and build your cyber security culture now to keep your business cyber safe. This webinar series has been developed by the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (A3C) and Food South Australia.
 
The series will cover:
  • understanding where your business sits with cyber security
  • current threat landscapes
  • how to identify types of possible internal and external threats, hazards and risks
  • how to protect you, your staff and your business from potential cyber attacks
  • the  ‘Essential 8’ strategies you can implement for baseline protection for your business
  • how to report a cyber security incidence
  • how to stay informed and find out about resources and support for your business
  • understand changes to the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Bill) 2020
  • how to prepare for business continuity, including having an incidence response plan (IRP)
Delivered in two parts on 31 March and 5 April. Find out more here

Fair Work Website and Online Tools

Webinar


Join the team at the Fair Work Ombudsman for a free webinar on 22 March 2022.Presenters will demonstrate how to use the website and show you free online tools to help you find your way in the workplace.

Participants will be shown how to navigate the website and dedicated coronavirus subsite and other key  tools including:
  • online My Account customer portal
  • Pay and Conditions Tool (to help you calculate wages, leave, notice and redundancy)
  • online learning centre.
There are two sessions available to suit your schedule. Register 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 with event organisers directly. 
Basic Wildlife Rescue
Mount Gambier Wildlife Carer
Saturday 12 March
Register here
 
Advanced Social Media Strategy
General Assembly
Tuesday 15 March
Register here

How To: Drive Sales with Social Media (Series 2)
SA Export Fundamentals
Wednesday 16 March
Register here

Intro to Digital Marketing
General Assembly
Thursday 17 March
Register here

Register your interest: 2022 South Australian Tourism Awards
TiCSA
Monday 21 March
Register here
2022 Social Media Trends - Organic, Ads, Video & More
SMK
Tuesday 22 March
Register here

Financial Essentials for Family Business Course - Online
Family Business Australia
Wednesday 23 & 30 March
Register here

Communicating in Farm Teams
WoTL
Thursday 24 March
Register here

Women in Family Business Forum - Group Information Session
Family Business Australia
Tuesday 29 March
Register here

B2B Online Networking Session
Family Business Australia
Tuesday 5 April
Register here
For more business specific webinars click here >

Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards

Third Time Lucky – Save the date

 
After hitting the pause button on the previously planned event, the team are ready to hit play again and are very pleased to confirm that the GTTIA Awards Gala Event will be held on 10 June, 2022 at the Barn, Mount Gambier.

Apply Now for the 2022 South Australian Training Awards


Applications are now open for the SA Training Awards, which celebrate and recognise the achievements of our state’s best vocational education and training students, trainers, training providers, schools and employers.  

The awards are an opportunity to showcase excellence in VET through our training organisations, the talented and committed students who undertake training, and the employers who are committed to their developing their workforce. 

Applications for the SA Training Awards close on Monday 9 May, with the awards presented at the SA Training Awards recognition event on the Thursday, 25 August. Find out more here
The Department for Energy and Mining is administering a $12.25 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Smart Charging Subsidy, to provide 7,500 subsidies of up to $2,000 to households installing EV smart charging systems.

The EV Smart Charging Subsidy will support households installing 7 kW or above EV smart charging systems that actively manage charging, to optimise benefits for the vehicle owner and support South Australia’s electricity grid.

On 4 March 2022, the System Eligibility Criteria was released to provide guidance to industry on technical requirements for the scheme. This document defines the minimum requirements for eligible EV Smart Charging Systems.

The Department for Energy and Mining are currently engaging with industry to facilitate understanding of these technical requirements, and will run a webinar shortly for system installers who will be seeking to become an approved system provider.
  
For more information visit the EV Smart Charging Subsidy Scheme webpage or contact electricvehicles@sa.gov.au

Kingston Mural by Sarah Boese Takes out Gold at National Street Art Awards


The Australian Street Art Awards encourages Australians to explore the world-class street and public art that is accessible all year round and found in every corner of the country.

Twenty-six public art experiences have been recognised as the best in the country for artloving visitors at the Australian Street Art Awards, announced this week from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Gold Award winners of the 2021 Australia Street Art Awards, include remote artworks up to 630 kilometres from their state capital.

Gold Winner for Best External Mural was the work of Sarah Boese for her piece "Wind Dance" in Kingston. 
 
Commenting on the artworks that were recognised on the night, judges said, “these pieces are contributing significantly to making Australia a more vibrant, creative and interesting country – somewhere visitors want to explore more keenly.” Find out more here
 

Macro Maestra


Macro Maestra is now open at 18 Helen Street Mount Gambier, next to Elite Supps.
Macro Maestra treats are a healthier version of your classic favourites. Using alternative ingredients, they have created their very own lower calorie, lower carb, high protein, high fiber treats, all trackable on the Myfitnesspal app. Check out Macro Maestra on Facebook

Australian 5G Innovation Initiative

Round 2


The $40 million Australian 5G Innovation Initiative grant opportunity supports innovative and emerging 5G trials that undertake rigorous, commercial and replicable testing of 5G technology, offers businesses the opportunity to identify 5G applications that demonstrate 5G’s capability, and supports various projects that demonstrate 5G’s capability and benefits across a range of industry sectors and locations.
 
To be eligible your project must:
  • conduct trials that undertake rigorous, commercial and replicable testing of technologies that make use of 5G
  • identify solutions that demonstrate 5G’s capabilities
  • have at least $125,000 in eligible expenditure (we fund 80% of eligible expenditure, $125,000 in eligible expenditure is required in order to receive the minimum grant amount of $100,000).
Eligible activities must make use of at least one of the following core 5G capabilities:
  • enhanced mobile broadband
  • ultra-reliable, low latency communications
  • massive machine-to-machine communications.
Applications close 11 April 2022. Find out more here

Opening Our Great Outdoors


The Opening our Great Outdoors pool is funded by the Regional Growth Fund to support economic generating regional tourism initiatives. There are two streams of the Fund for projects located within South Australia for outcome and benefits in regional South Australia.

Stream 1: Regional tourism projects to enhance investments in nature-based, farm-based, rangelands and fishing-based tourism opportunities, and invest in public infrastructure, that supports and encourages South Australians to travel to regional areas, connect with agriculture and enjoy our regions, parks, rangelands, reservoirs, waterways and marine environment.

Stream 2: Regional accommodation projects to support and stimulate private sector investment in new or improved regional accommodation for quality tourism products and experiences. 

Applications will close on 30 June 2023, or when the funding pool has been fully allocated. Applications are assessed on an ongoing basis.
 
Of particular note, applications for transformational projects that meet the intentions of the program will be well regarded. 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 >

NIEIR Data Now Available for our LGA's

State of Regions Dataset shows jobs below pre-pandemic level in over half of LGA's in Australia

During February, .id (informed decisions) released the State of the Regions Dataset for 2021. This national dataset, released annually, provides economic and employment data for EVERY Local Government Authority (LGA) in Australia. With the economic disruption over the last few years this dataset will be one of .id’s most significant releases, as local economies work towards recovery.

In the latest blog, Rob explores:

Read the latest blog here >

Robotic Dairy Technician

Lely Australia Pty Ltd

Lely has been the world leader in automated milking and feeding solutions for the past 20 years, and with over 40,000 Astronauts having now been sold and installed around the world, we are proud to say that this trend continues in 2022 and beyond. 

With this ongoing growth, we are seeking to expand the team with an experienced technical professional that would like to take their skills into the dairy industry. You will be provided with extensive training, both locally and abroad, to ensure that you can provide service and support at all levels. A background in a mechanical or technical trade would be well regarded for this role. 

This is a multifaceted role that sees you primarily supporting the Mount Gambier region, as well as providing technical support at a national level. You will be required to travel, sometimes at short notice, to support other regions across Australia & NZ. You must be proactive, punctual and have a preventative maintenance mindset as well as an excellent customer service mindset.

The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary, company service vehicle and on-call compensation. You will have future opportunities for international travel for service & product training and will be supported by the Lely Australia team at all times.

Find out more here

Do You Want to Join Our Team? 

RDALC have two fantastic job opportunities available 

  • Executive Support Coordinator (0.6FTE)
  • Project Support Coordinator (full time)

We are looking for an experienced Executive Support Coordinator (ongoing) to provide high level assistance to the RDALC Team and Board. As well as the day to day support you will provide to the CEO and staff, this role will focus on coordinating bi-monthly board meetings, including the preparation of agendas, papers, and reports, as well as minute taking. If you have significant experience in administration (including diary management), policy development, report writing, governance and events organising, we encourage you to apply. 

An opportunity has opened up for a full time Project Support Coordinator (2 year contract) to join us to assist with the delivery of a range of RDALC projects and programs. This role will focus on coordinating the research, project management and reporting activities for our organisation. Possessing highly developed project management skills, the Coordinator will be responsible for planning and budget monitoring as well as providing technical support and assistance to the leadership team. Experience and an interest in communications and marketing would be highly regarded. 

Applications for both these roles close at 12 noon, Friday 18 March 2022. 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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