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Week beginning 14 March 2022

Exciting Development Underway at Kilsby Sinkhole


Manager, Investment and Infrastructure, Lyn Howes, visited Kilsby Sinkhole today to tour the current facilities and check out the progress of the new accommodation being built on site.
 
The Kilsby family, who have owned the property for 130 years before opening it as a tourism attraction in 2018, are developing the site further so that they can welcome even more visitors.
 
Work is well underway on the construction of six family sized cabins, with the expected completion date to be within the next few months. Graham Kilsby – the fourth generation of his family to be in charge –  also has plans underway for a function centre, cafe and on-site gin distillery.

Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps Report


Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) has partnered with Infrastructure Australia to develop the Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report, which highlights opportunities in housing, education, transport and telecommunications to support the regionalisation trend that took hold during the pandemic and is reshaping Limestone Coast region.

The Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report provides a lens to highlight the opportunities in our regions and prioritise investment in Regional Australia.

With the debut of the Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report, Infrastructure Australia aims to increase the focus on the needs of Regional Australia. Through building an evidence base of mutually acknowledged needs, as well as identifying the assets available to be leveraged by industry and the community, working alongside government, to provide solutions.
 

You can read the Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report here or explore the analysis through an interactive map here.

South Australian COVID Regulations 


Voting in the State Election

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 or are a close contact, you cannot attend a polling booth to vote at the SA election this Saturday 19 March. If you are isolating, in quarantine or have COVID-19 symptoms, you can register to collect a voting pack here. Find more information on voting if you are affected by COVID-19 here.
 

Isolation requirements reduced from 10 to 7 days

The isolation requirements for people who test positive for COVID-19 are now reduced from 10 days to 7 days. Current requirements for mask wearing and close contacts will remain unchanged, including the 14-day isolation period, where people are unable to isolate appropriately within the same household.
 

Update to the Activities Direction

On Saturday 12 March, the 50-person cap on home gatherings and density limits for public activities, including hospitality venues, was lifted. Restrictions on dancing and singing are also removed.

QR code check-in will no longer be required for recreational transport, public transport, taxis and rideshares, auction and inspection of properties for sale or rent, and education facilities. The requirement to check-in will remain for most other public activities.

Masks will still be required indoors. 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. 

For more information on the COVID-Safe Check-In, and how to add proof of your vaccination status to the mySAGOV app, visit covid-19.sa.gov.au

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

New Initiative Hits City of Mount Gambier


Council's small scale recycling initiative has now been expanded to local supermarkets, made possible with assistance from Lakes Rotary Mount Gambier.

The bins were initially available at the Civic Centre and are now also at the front of the store at Coles and Woolworths (Commercial Street).

This enables residents to drop off items that are unable to be recycled through the kerbside bins such as bread tags, plastic bottle lids (numbered 2 and 4), used toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes for recycling.

Find out more about what to recycle where in the handy guide here. 

What Can Businesses Do About Reducing Emissions In Their Supply Chain?


It is good to look at reducing your own emissions, but what if you could lead the reduction of emissions across your entire supply chain?

The biggest hurdle for a business owner to start their net-zero journey is the question “what impact does my business actually make?”. Emissions from supply chains are called “scope three emissions”. For every item brought into South Australia rather than locally produced, these scope three emissions are much greater due to the transport involved in each stage of that process.

There are many opportunities for the business community to reduce scope three emissions in South Australia. 

Business SA CEO Martin Haese looks at how South Australian companies can become more environmentally sustainable through the circular economy and you can read the full article here. 

Are You Getting Your Pays Right?


Do you know the correct, up to date pay rates for all your employees? If not, it is essential that you get on top of this so you do not end up with a costly underpayments.

The longer an underpayment goes undetected, the more difficult and expensive it becomes to rectify, especially if it is picked up through an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The Fair Work Ombudsman helps you and your employees understand their rights and responsibilities at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman works with employees, employers and the community to educate and encourage compliance with Australia's workplace laws.

For more information on wages and pay rates, including calculators and pay and conditions tools, you can visit Fair Work here. You can also find out more here.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late


Seeking financial counselling is a personal decision and is very different for each individual, but not addressing it as early as possible can limit your options and outcomes.
Business Financial Counsellors can provide help and support for rural and regional small business owners who find themselves in debt or unable to meet their expenses.

Make an appointment today for free, independent and confidential service. Freecall 1800 836 211 or visit the website here. 

Tips, Tricks & Tools to Grow Your Business

AusIndustry

Join AusIndustry to explore a range of Australian Government online tools, templates and valuable information to help you plan, grow and run your business with confidence.

The speakers will guide you through a range of resources, information and tools that are freely available.

This webinar will be held on Wednesday 30 March 2022 and will provide information and tools to help your business, no matter the size or sector. Find out more here. 

Registrations Open Now

 
Exhibitor registrations are now open for the 2 day event in May in Adelaide. The event attracts over 1,500 visitors, including suppliers, producers, retailers, bakers and industry bodies and showcases over 90 exhibitors. The trade show will also feature special events including the SA Barista of the Year, Regional Baking Association of Australia Competition, Regional Australian Meat Industry Council Competition, Network Evening and Foodland Supermarkets Network Breakfast.
 
For more details and registrations, see 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. 
Register Your Interest: 2022 South Australian Tourism Awards
TiCSA
Monday 21 March
Register here

Is Australia’s Big Infrastructure Build Delivering Value?
CEDA
Monday 21 March
Register here
 
Women in Industries of the Future – Speed Networking
Office for Women
Monday 21 March
Register here
 
Bridging the Human and Technology Gap for Bulletproof Cyber Security
Business Australia
Tuesday 22 March
Register here

2022 Social Media Trends - Organic, Ads, Video & More
SMK
Tuesday 22 March
Register here

International Trends in Economic Development
Economic Development Australia
Wednesday 23 March
Register here

How To: Get Your Business Found Online (Series 3)
SA Export Fundamentals
Wednesday 23 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

How To: Increase your Online Sales During the Shopping Seasons (Series 4)
SA Export Fundamentals
Wednesday 30 March
Register here
 
Tips, Tricks and Tools to Grow Your Business
AusIndustry
Wednesday 30 March
Register here
 
In Conversation with Gallagher – Cyber Security
Tourism Industry Council of South Australia (TiCSA)
Wednesday 30 March
Register here
For more business specific webinars click here >

US Market Entry Program 2022-2023


The US Market Entry Program provides in-market support to wineries interested in entering or re-entering the US market. It also provides in depth brand strategy support to wineries ready to move commercially in the market.

Wine Australia offers guidance and marketing support in communications, import logistics and trade outreach, to assist entry-to-market and brand exposure needs. Collaboration with importer brokers, media outlets and key trade and media contacts will be a central focus of the Market Entry Program in FY'23. Full details on the program activities can be found here. 

The state governments of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will support a limited number of spots in this program for FY22/23, so wineries interested in participating can apply for a 50% rebate from their respective state government.
 
Expressions of Interest are now open for the US Market Entry Program. More information can be found here.

Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program


The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is designed to increase the representation of women in the leadership ranks of Australian agriculture. The National Farmers Federation has a goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030.

It is suited to women with a connection to the sector and who are passionate about being a part of its future. The Program matches successful applicants with a mentor to explore leadership goals and strategies. The mentorship runs from June to October/November. 

Mentees come together for a two-day retreat in Canberra at the start of the Program and again at the completion of the Program for graduation (subject to COVID-19). Mentees meet regularly with their mentor and take part in online inspiring speakers webinars throughout the program. 

Applications close Sunday, 17 April 2022. Find out more here.

SA Volunteer Awards 2022

We are pleased to announce the SA Volunteer Awards 2022 are now open for nominations. Volunteering is a vital part of the South Australian way of life, generating great community spirit and helping to make our neighbourhoods welcoming, safe and inclusive. 

Nominations close 5pm Monday 4 April 2022. Find out more here. 

Save the Date


Swinging with the Stars is back for 2022 and will be held on Saturday 18 June at the The Barn. A fun night of entertainment raising funds for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

Tickets go on sale in May!

Benji’s Solar Cleaning

 
Based in Mount Gambier, Benji’s Solar Cleaning specialise in cleaning and bird proofing solar panels as well as cleaning roof gutters. Servicing the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, they will match and beat other quotes – check them out on Facebook or contact Benji on 0401 294 011.

Regional Sport Events Fund

 
Now open for applications, the Federal Government’s Regional Sport Events Fund will support community sporting events across the region with an aim of kick-starting the economy and encouraging visitors back. Sixteen eligible LGA's across Australia can apply for funding of up to $50,000.
 
Events can range from “come and try days” to larger events including elite sporting exhibitions and state level competitions that engage the broader community.
  
Funding is available through two funding streams:
  • Stream One – Small community sporting events: Non-competitive demand driven grants of up to $10,000.
  • Stream Two – Large regional sporting events: Competitive grants of up to $50,000
Applications close 8 April 2022. Find out more here.

Women's Leadership and Development Program: Lead and Succeed


The Australian Government is inviting organisations through an open competitive process to apply for the Women's Leadership and Development Program: Lead and Succeed.

The Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP) Lead and Succeed grant opportunity supports projects that improve outcomes for women in Australia in 3 key priority areas: women’s workforce participation; women’s leadership; and women’s safety.

Applications close 21 April 2022. 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 >

2021 Census Information is Coming

With the release of 2021 Census data fast approaching, .id's Local Government Population Forecasting Team is preparing for the ‘most anticipated Census in a generation’.

In this blog, Andrew Rossiter shares how Census information is used in a population forecast, what topics their forecasters are keeping a close eye on, and how Australia’s largest Local Government Population Forecasting team is preparing to incorporate this valuable information in your population forecast.

The most anticipated Census of a generation?

The Census is Australia’s largest statistical collection. For over 100 years, it has provided a snapshot of Australia and insight into how our communities have changed over time.   

However, never before has an Australian Census been undertaken in the middle of a demographic and economic shock as significant as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full blog here >

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