FEBRUARY 2022 EDITION
HOT TOPICS WHAT EVENTS ARE COMING UP NEAR YOU?
LATEST NEWS FIND OUT HOW BUSINESSES ARE BEING SUPPORTED IN 2022
STOP HERE SHOP HERE EAT HERE BUY HERE
T A B L E
O F
CONT E NT S
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OUR BOARD MEMBERS JOIN THE CHAMBER OUR NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS THE CHAMBERS'S ACTIVITIES FROM OUR MEMBERS GOVERNMENT NOTICES
THE BOARD
CEO's Message HAPPY YEAR OF THE TIGER! It's February already...? I hope you have all had a successful start to the year and that you are feeling confident and excited about the jam packed year we have in store for you.
BILL PARASIRIS
PHILIP IACOVOU
WSU - Director
Lefand - Director
JASON ARRAJ Forward Legal Principal Solicitor
WALLY MEHANNA CBCC CEO
ANTOINETTE KHALIL Khalil Family Lawyers Principal Solicitor
GEOFF GAYMER TAFE NSW - Manager
SANDRA DUARTE Sandra Duarte Consulting CEO
JACQUELINE VENESJARVI Vicinity Centres Guest Experience Manager
STOP local SHOP local EAT local &BUY local. The CBCC continues to find ways to support our local businesses here in Canterbury-Bankstown. mall Business Month is coming up in March and the CBCC is excited to celebrate the achievements of our small local businesses. The CBCC will also be hosting the Women in Leadership event that will celebrate International Women's Week in March. This event cannot be missed, as our incredible panel will share their wisdom and inspire the women of Canterbury-Bankstown. Our strengths in CanterburyBankstown is our culture and diversity. Together we are unstoppable and we need to focus on our goal which is to maximize local business exposure and proclaim our region as the destination for business. Wally Mehanna CEO, CBCC
+GST
Our New Corporate Partners
About Stareast International Stareast International is an Australian owned business that has successfully operated in this country for over 40 years. Stareast International supplies to the Australian and New Zealand commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning markets. Products supplied include package units, replacement parts, quality trade tools, refrigerants, and other gases. Services provided include system design, engineered solutions and equipment solutions.
Stareast International specialises in the following areas: Complete Solutions - including the design, manufacture and supply of commercial refrigeration equipment, condensing units and spare parts Design, manufacture and supply condensers, evaporators and air-conditioning spare parts. Supply of refrigerant and specialty gases Quality trade tools and equipment Quality appliance spare parts and equipment
OZ Arab Media aims to support the diverse Arab communities in Australia with news, articles, and opinions about the Arab diaspora in Australia and in their home countries. We source news articles from a variety of local and international sources and authors to provide a wider understanding of causes that affect the community onshore and abroad. OZ Arab Media believes in sustainability and in protecting the environment, which is why we make full use of our online platforms and social media. Our team of experiences digital marketers and social media consultants allow our message to reach its target audience.
Allied Integrated Management is an Australian owned national provider of innovative and customised solutions. We provide the resources and support for the service delivery of the five independent Allied businesses across Security, Facilities, Pest, Civil and Traffic Management. Allied was named from the idea of creating a unified approach to offering a complete solution of services, to become a whole service provider.
Our New Sponsors
Our New Members
Upcoming
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2022-women-in-leadership-tickets252857612927
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH EXPRESSION OF INTREST
We are looking at two days, the 21 & 22 of February 2022. Tell use what you think. What works for you? Contact us with you answer. Two workshops on the day Free tickets for Members. $5 tickets for Non Members
Great Oppotunity
WORKSHOP 2
-Practical Tools to Get More Customer (Digital Marketing) WORKSHOP 1
-Our key speakers will give you tips and tricks on Building a resilient business. -Q & A as well.
Facebook/ Instagram Advertising for Business Introduction to Google Ads Canva – Fast design. Brand Kits & Folders. Mailchimp for Small Business Bring your own devices.
Contact us at info@cbchamber.org.au
Find out more about the venue
See our Gala Dinner from last year
Photos
Our Socials
We are excited to offer options for all members to advertise in the Monthly Newsletter. Prices vary depending the Ad Size you are looking for. The prices are for any member wishing to advertise mre than what is allocated in the membership level.
AD SIZE
COST
1/4 Page Portrait 1/2 Page Landscape Full Page A4
Due to the overwhelming interest in our members wanting to be included in our Newsletter, we now ask that our members provide a JPEG. PDF will no longer be accepted. Files can be 72dpi - 300dpi.
$75 $100 $250
Use it or Lose It! The following Membership Levels include newsletter contributions below:
LEVEL Corporate Partner Silver Member Bronze Members
ALLOCATION
Full Page, A4 Monthly A5 Landscape Quarterly A5 Landscape Annually
Email your contribution to ceo@cbchamber.org.au before the end of each month to be included in the next edition.
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Greater Western Sydney Summit - Networking event AmCham will be hosting the Greater Western Sydney Summit. Join us for this business-focused Summit, as we connect you with leaders from industry, business and government to present the information, resources and strategies you need to succeed in a rapidly evolving city of opportunity. It will be a full day focused on the opportunities for business growth in the region. Stuart Ayres, Member for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney will open the event with a special keynote speech, followed by a range of panels and workshops and networking with businesses.
AmCham will offer the CBCC discounted memberrates using this special code when registering: Canterbury Chamber 101 Where: Parramatta at old Bank West stadium (now CommBank stadium) When: Wednesday, 23rd March 2022 Cost: $299 for the CBCC members or $350 for non-members. Tickets are great value and include morning tea, lunch and networking drinks in the afternoon.
There’s been so much in the media about businesses having to close temporarily, due to COVID and staff shortages but the Team at Lefand want to assure you that we will not buckle under such pressure and continue to forge ahead. Collectively we’re all facing various challenges but please know that Lefand have contingencies in place should a staff member fall ill or need to isolate. We are proactive in ensuring that we maintain our obligations, however we do ask for your understanding if occasionally we don’t attend to non-urgent matters as immediately as we normally would. COVID is not going away any time soon so in working together, it’s imperative that we maintain high levels of communication with consistent follow ups, between all parties involved. We can and will get through this effectively and professionally but with a little compassion and kindness too. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for whatever reason be it big or small, positive or negative as we continue our mantra that there will always be a solution to everything! Kind regards,
LEFAND, 9/39 Gould Street, Strathfield South | Sydney, NSW 2136, Ph: 1800 533 263
TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE (TSS) VISA (SUBCLASS 482) Are you an Employer in desperate need of workers that simply don’t exist in Australia? Do you find yourself continually advertising but find that you have no luck? Well we have great news for you all: Hot off the press, from 1st of December 2021, eligible Visa holders, including 482 Visa Holders (fully vaccinated) can now travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. This means it will be easier and a faster way for you to fill some of your skill shortages in your businesses. Small to Medium (SME) businesses and large corporate alike are crying out for staff, some of the 44 most sought after skills groups include; Nurses, Doctors, Chefs, Surveyors, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, medical Laboratory Scientist, Midwife to name a few. At the same time, skilled professionals from all over the world are eager to come and work and live in Australia and just need an Employer to sponsor them to work. At a time when there seem to be no silver bullets to finding skilled workers in impacted industries – Visa Subclass 482 is the silver bullet you have been waiting for. Its sole purpose is to enable Australian employers to address verified local labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers and their family members. The 482 Visa subclass is undoubtedly the most effective & fastest pathway to work and live in Australia. For businesses it is the optimum way to get the talent they desperately need. That doesn’t mean it’s as simple as it looks, unless you are a migration specialist like us. We make it simple, fast and stress free to take full advantage of the latest changes to travel restrictions and access to talent via 482 visas amongst many others. Get in touch with our Migration Experts today on: 1300 015 592 info@directmigrationexperts.com.au www.directmigrationexperts.com.au Or click here for a Free Preliminary Assessment or to Book a Consultation to get started now.
GETTING YOU OFF THE GROUND The focus of this program is helping founders to refine their value proposition and business model. There is a strong emphasis on a rigorous approach to problem and solution validation. Participants should exit the program ready to build their minimum viable product. Focus: Startup Accelerator (Design & Validate) Delivery: 12 Weeks Part Time Timing: March to May 2022 Entry Criteria: Defined Idea (Business Model Canvas) IMPORTANT DATES Applications close: 11 February 2022 Program start date: 2 March 2022 Showcase Day: 3 June 2022
Next Week! Are you an early stage founder with at least a defined idea that you want to bring to life? Come along to this information session to meet our Entrepreneurs in Residence, Jonathon Wolfe and Jamie Pride, and learn more about the upcoming Launch Pad Ignition accelerator program. There'll be an opportunity for Q&A as part of this event. Applications are now open for the Ignition Accelerator Program. Click here to find out more launchpadlive.com.au/accelerator The Ignition Accelerator is a 12-week duration accelerator program with a focus to help founders refine their value proposition and business model. There is a strong emphasis on a rigorous approach to problem and solution validation. Participants should exit the program ready to build their minimum viable product. Delivered through Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad Technology Business Incubator, the accelerator provides a range of support activities designed to help startups establish quickly, hone the value proposition, rapidly develop technology, access markets and scale effectively. This is an excellent opportunity to meet our Entrepreneurs in Residence and alumni, and learn more about the program. Applications close on 11 February, so come along to the information session to help finalise your application in time for the closing date. Date: Thursday, 10th February
Location: Virtual Event
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
The Year of the Tiger But what does it mean? The Tiger is known for being the king of all beasts in China. The Tiger zodiac sign symbolises strength and braveness.
What will 2022 bring you?
Disaster Recovery Assistance Disaster recovery assistance is available to businesses in eligible NSW local government areas (LGAs) that have been impacted by storms and floods. Business owners whose business premises have been damaged in the recent storms and floods are encouraged to take photographs of the visible damage as soon as it is safe to do so, to assist in accessing support in the future. Register for ongoing business support The Business Concierge service offers ongoing, tailored help for NSW businesses impacted by storms and floods. Call 13 77 88 or register for a callback. Online information hub The Service NSW online information hub can help people and businesses impacted by the recent storms and floods find support. To find assistance available to businesses, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/stormand-flood-assistance-businesses. Businesses and individuals can complete our online questionnaire to receive a personalised list of available programs and services: disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au. Other ways to get personalised support Business Connect provides professional advisors, all of whom have experience in running their own small businesses. Business customers can select an advisor and book an appointment online, or call 1300 134 359. The NSW Small Business Commissioner can assist landlords and tenants of shops, restaurants, industrial and commercial premises in negotiating and resolving any leasing disputes. Call 1300 795 534 or visit https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/ to speak with an expert. Disaster declared local government areas Government support is available in local government areas (LGAs) that have been included in natural disaster declarations. Visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw/natural-disaster-declarations to view a list of disaster declared LGAs.
Stay NSW Vouchers business registration open state-wide All eligible accommodation providers across NSW can now apply to register for Stay NSW Vouchers and get their business ready to accept vouchers in February 2022. From February 2022, registered businesses will be able to accept Stay NSW Vouchers as well as the new Parents NSW Vouchers. The date for when Stay NSW and Parents NSW Vouchers become available for redemption will be announced soon. Dine & Discover NSW businesses will also be able to accept the new Parents NSW Vouchers for Discover activities. From February 2022: • NSW residents aged 18 and over will be able to spend a $50 Stay NSW Voucher at participating Stay NSW businesses. • Eligible households with a child aged 4.5 to 18 years who was school-enrolled in 2021 can also spend 5 x $50 Parents NSW Vouchers at participating Stay NSW businesses, as well as for Discover activities at Dine & Discover NSW businesses. Businesses who have already registered for Stay NSW Vouchers do not need to do anything. Customers can find information on eligibility and how to register for Stay NSW Vouchers at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-business-staynsw-vouchers
Isolation exemption for workers critical to food supply in NSW Critical workers in the food logistics and manufacturing sectors who are close contacts without COVID-19 symptoms can leave self-isolation to work, to ensure NSW has continued access to essential goods. Workers may only leave self-isolation if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities, and they are unable to work from home. These workers must wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer, including daily Rapid Antigen Tests. Any worker who tests positive or who develops symptoms of COVID-19 must immediately self-isolate. The new rules apply to critical workers in the following sectors: - Agriculture - biosecurity and food safety personnel undertaking critical duties. - Manufacturing - production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products. - Transport, postal and warehousing - food logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment. - The exemption from the self-isolation rules for close contacts also applies to emergency services workers who are necessary for the delivery of critical services and who cannot work from home. See the guidance on the exemption of critical workers. For the latest updates and information about staying COVID-19 safe, visit nsw.gov.au. Thank you for your continuing support to protect the community and help NSW stay open during this period. Please contact covid.communications if you need specific content or for further information.
Isolation exemption for critical workers expanded To ensure NSW continues to have access to essential goods and services, the isolation exemption for critical workers has been expanded. Critical workers from certain sectors who are a household contact of a COVID-19 case may be able to leave self-isolation to attend work if they have no symptoms of COVID-19. Workers will only be eligible to leave self-isolation if their employer determines that: • their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities; and • they are unable to work from home. These workers must wear a mask and comply with risk management strategies put in place by their employer, including daily rapid antigen tests. Any worker who tests positive or develops symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate. The new rules take effect immediately and apply to critical workers in the following sectors: • utilities: electricity services, operation of energy systems, gas services, liquid fuels, water supply, sewerage, sanitation and drainage services and waste and resource recovery services (including collection, treatment and disposal services) • information and telecommunications • social assistance and welfare services • funeral, crematorium and cemetery services • seaport operations • air and sea freight and logistics • the operation of correctional centres and community corrections • a person employed by Resilience NSW, a member of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW, or New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association Inc. The same isolation exemption rules were already in place for: • agriculture: biosecurity and food safety personnel undertaking critical duties • manufacturing: production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products • transport, postal and warehousing: food logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment • emergency services workers and healthcare workers who are necessary for the delivery of critical services and who cannot work from home. Thank you for your continuing support to protect the community and help NSW stay open during this period. Please continue to check nsw.gov.au for the latest updates and contact covid.communications if you need specific content for your industry or networks.
NSW Small Business Month is approaching NSW Small Business Month is fast approaching - starting Tuesday 1st March 2022. It's time to get ready and take advantage of all the program has to offer. If you're a small business in NSW you can now find activities on our website. From webinars to workshops, podcasts and panel discussions, there's plenty of activities to choose from. It's time to Rebuild, Recharge and Renew - find an activity near you and register today! Become a Collaboration Partner There's still time to partner with us during NSW Small Business Month - at no cost! Businesses of any size are welcome to host an activity between 1 - 31 March 2022 which aligns to our theme of Rebuild, Recharge, Renew and directly supports small businesses in NSW. Partnering with us is free and it's easy to apply! Simply head to our website and complete the online application form and we will then be in touch. Humanitix shares tips on running engaging online events Organising an activity as part of NSW Small Business Month? Hear from Adam McCurdie at Humanitix on the trends and tips of moving events online and how to make your NSW Small Business Month event engaging for your audience.
Doubling down on Dine & Discover Customers will have more reasons to celebrate catching up with friends and family this summer with two additional Dine & Discover vouchers up for grabs for NSW residents. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expanded program will support residents across the State and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s economic recovery strategy. “From Byron to Bega and Bellingen to Broken Hill, this is about supporting people to get out and have a meal or spend the day discovering their city while supporting businesses across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said. Treasurer Matt Kean said the additional $250 million investment by the NSW Government would help businesses recover from months of restrictions and encourage people to enjoy what they love most. “We experienced the success of the Dine & Discover program when we reopened last time, which is why we are doubling down efforts with an additional two $25 vouchers one for Dine and one for Discover venues,” Mr Kean said. “We are backing our businesses and helping hip pockets by expanding the program, in addition to extending existing vouchers until the end of June 2022.” Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the vouchers would again be delivered via the ServiceNSW app. “You’ll find them in your ServiceNSW app in time for Summer or you can contact ServiceNSW and they can send them to you,” Mr Dominello said. “To date, almost 4.8 million people have taken advantage of the voucher program since its launch in March, giving businesses a $430 million boost.” NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers. Participating businesses do not need to reapply. Those who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app and get ready to redeem. More information will be made available in the coming weeks on the nsw.gov.aulaunch website.
Small businesses across NSW now have access to free training and an informative guide to help them become “tender ready” and win NSW Government contracts, thanks to a new tender support program. The NSW Small Business Commission has collaborated with TAFE NSW to deliver four online courses as well as a written guide to help small businesses understand the tendering and contract processes involved in working with the NSW Government. The launch is the first major milestone in the four-year $5 million tender support program being delivered by the Commission and announced in the November 2020 NSW Budget. The program is a key driver of the NSW Government’s commitment to sourcing more goods and services from NSW small businesses. Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government spends around $40 billion each year on procurement of goods, services and construction, with nearly half of that amount going to small and medium businesses. “Small businesses make up more than 98 per cent of businesses in NSW. If we can generate more work for them through existing Government spending, we will support jobs, families and communities,” Mr Tudehope said. “Tendering for Government work can take up valuable time and resources for small businesses, and larger businesses often have the edge. “These new resources will help small businesses to bridge that gap and be more successful in not only winning government work but also in tendering for private sector contracts, which requires similar knowledge and skills.”
The training courses, Selling to the NSW Government, comprise four modules that help small businesses prepare for and navigate these major stages of the tendering and contract processes: Getting Business Ready Finding Opportunities Selling to Government Successful Supplying It is complemented by the new Selling to the NSW Government: A Guide for Small Business, which includes templates for key tendering documents. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said it was great to see the NSW Small Business Commission working with TAFE NSW, the State’s comprehensive public training provider. “These courses will help small business owners upskill and reskill their teams, and ultimately empower them to grow their businesses. “TAFE NSW plays a critical role in helping deliver these micro-skills rapidly using its convenient purpose-built online education platform,” Mr Lee said. NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said the training and guide had been informed by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement survey undertaken by the Commission, which sought the views and experiences of small businesses and other key stakeholders on the Government’s procurement processes and how they could be improved. “The survey identified key pain points for small businesses in tendering for Government work and what information and assistance was most useful in helping businesses to lift their capabilities so they can compete effectively,” Mr Lamont said. The Commission’s tender support program aligns with the NSW Government’s refreshed Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy, which allows Government agencies to buy goods and services directly from an SME for all procurements up to $150,000. The training modules and the guide can be accessed via the NSW Small Business Commission website. MEDIA: Kylie Adoranti | Minister Tudehope | 0439 085 013 Jessica Cortis | Minister Lee | 0417 268 209
👨💼Wally Mehanna, CBCC CEO 0416 012 747 🎯www.cbchamber.org.au 📩ceo@cbcchamber.org.au
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