Welcome to this edition of Business Matters Fraser Coast, where we highlight the importance of unity among local businesses and the power of collaboration to drive economic growth. As the Fraser Coast continues to evolve, the strength of our economy relies on how effectively we, as business leaders, come together to address challenges and seize opportunities.
A thriving regional economy is built on a foundation of businesses that support one another, share resources, and work toward common goals. In the Fraser Coast, with key industries like tourism, health, construction, and retail playing essential roles, fostering a strong business ecosystem goes beyond individual success. It’s about ensuring that our region can compete on a larger scale, attract investment, and promote innovation. By working together—whether through local business groups, chambers of commerce, or collaborative ventures—we create an environment where every business has the potential to grow and succeed. This collective strength fosters resilience and drives innovation, benefitting our entire community.
With the state election just ahead of us, it’s an important time for businesses to reflect on how the outcome will shape the local business landscape. Elections often bring shifts in policies that impact infrastructure investment, support for small businesses, and regulatory frameworks—all of which play a crucial role in how our economy moves forward. Post-election, we can expect fresh
policies that will influence everything from local employment to the growth of key industries in the Fraser Coast.
For business leaders, staying informed and engaged with the electoral process is key. Understanding how the platforms of various candidates could impact our region allows us to better prepare and advocate for our needs. After the election, it will be essential to continue engaging with our representatives to ensure that the business community’s voice remains strong and that we influence the policies that will shape our future.
As we look ahead, let’s focus on binding our businesses together, sharing expertise, and actively shaping the future of our region. By collaborating and embracing the changes that come, we will strengthen not just our individual enterprises, but the Fraser Coast economy as a whole. Let’s seize this moment of opportunity and work together for a more resilient, prosperous future.
Sandra Holebrook
Join the Committee
Are you interested in playing a key role in shaping the future of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce? We invite Members to join our Committee, offering you the chance to contribute to the Chamber’s direction and operations.
As a Committee Member, your commitment will involve attending monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (times may vary). You’ll also support our Business Hervey Bay events, held on the first Friday morning and the third Friday evening of each month, as well as our monthly breakfast on the last Wednesday.
If you wish to nominate, please submit your form via email or post by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 30th October. If you do not
have a Proposer and Seconder, don’t worry—the Committee will assist in completing this part of the process once your nomination is received.
For any questions or to discuss the role with a current Committee member, please reach out to us at admin@herveybaychamber.com.au.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Chamber’s growth and help drive the success of our local business community, and we look forward to your participation.
Click here to download the nomination form
VIP Members
To book click here
We are delighted to welcome Rebecca Greenshields from Whalesong Cruises as our guest speaker for our 30 October 2024 Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
With the 2024 whale watching season coming to a close, Hervey Bay has once again proven why it holds the title of the world’s first Whale Heritage Area and carries the crown as the Whale Watch Capital of the World. Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coast, and the protected waters of Hervey Bay offer a vital resting spot for Whales to use the calm waters of the Bay to rest and nurse their new-born calves as they make their return trip to Antarctica.
This year, visitors to, and residents of, the Fraser Coast have experienced many amazing interactions with these mighty creatures, reinforcing the regions status as Australia’s top whale-watching destination. From awe-inspiring breaches to mother-and-calf interactions, the Bay provides an experience unmatched anywhere else in Australia.
Rebecca Greenshields will discuss the highlights of this season and share the innovative steps being taken to ensure that whale watching in Hervey Bay continues to thrive and that our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that whale watching will remain a key attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe.
From new tourism offerings to community engagement, the future of whale watching on the Fraser Coast has a bright outlook and the industry is an economic powerhouse for businesses in our region. Find out more about this amazing industry - join us for breakfast on the 30th October 2024.
Thank you to our Business Sponsor St Stephen’s Hospital
As Australia’s first fully integrated digital hospital, St Stephen’s gives the Wide Bay community access to one of the country’s most advanced healthcare facilities. Yet in the midst of this state-of-the-art facility, it’s our commitment to person-centred care that truly sets us apart.
Member Price $25.00
Non-Member Price $50.00
Wednesday 30th October| 6.15 am – 8.00 am
The Club House Hervey Bay Registrations are to be completed online before 5 pm – Monday 28th October.
PLEASE NOTE NO DOOR SALES
Book your tickets now. Limited seats are available and ticketing will close when full.
We will also be collecting gold coins for our Monthly Charity Fraser Coast Mates.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Update
As we get around Queensland, it’s clear that many of you are feeling the strain of rising costs and changing consumer habits. With low levels of spending, high inflation, and increasing interest rates, the current operating conditions can feel overwhelming.
Recent data from Creditor Watch reveals a concerning trend: the average rate of business failure in Australia has climbed to an average of 4.95% — 17.3% increase since January. The Food and Beverage sector is particularly hard hit, with a failure rate of 8.2% in August. Areas like Western Sydney and SouthEast Queensland are expected to see the highest rates of failure in the coming year, while regions like inner Adelaide, North Queensland, and parts of regional Victoria are showing more resilience.
This serves as a crucial reminder for all small business owners: it is vital to keep a close eye on your financial health! If you find yourself feeling unsure about your numbers or navigating a tough situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re here to support you, no matter where you are or what industry you’re in!
We’ve heard your concerns loud and clear—issues like rising energy and insurance costs, labour shortfalls, and freight charges are affecting many. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, there are resources and supports available to help ease some of this pressure. If you have a story about your experiences with insurance, we’d love to hear from you and include your voice in our advocacy efforts.
This month, we’ve noticed a significant uptick in calls to our assistance line—about a 54% increase, primarily related to business-to-business debt claims. Remember, cash flow is king
for small businesses so ensuring you are proactive in chasing payments can make a big difference. If you want to know more about letters of demand or other steps to ensure timely payments, check out these resources.
On our travels this month, we visited local governments and small business owners in Boulia, Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond, Julia Creek, and Hughenden. We heard about the exciting opportunities presented by copper string 2032, as well as the ongoing challenges related to energy access, connectivity, freight costs and labour. We were also thrilled to participate in the Western Alliance of Councils meeting in Mt Isa, where local leaders discussed initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses, such as improvements in water management, procurement, and insurance. After this, we were honoured to attend the launch of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce’s supplier capability catalogue aimed at enhancing opportunities for local businesses to participate in major projects —another great way to highlight local businesses!
Do explore what your local government is offering! Many councils provide free support, information, and even grants to help businesses thrive. For instance, Brisbane City Council just launched its next round of Women in Business grants, and the Sunshine Coast has introduced the “Level Up” initiative, designed to help you learn, connect, and grow.
Remember, we’re here to listen, understand, and assist. No issue is too big or too small—your business is our priority, and together, we can navigate these challenges.
Take care, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Photo caption: Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
Episode 3 of the QSBC small business Big Stories series is here! In this powerful podcast, Arif Memis, founder, and former owner of the much-loved Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar franchise, talks about his entrepreneurial journey—growing a popular restaurant chain only to face liquidation. Arif shares valuable insights on managing risk, recognising when it’s time to step back, and the importance of work-life balance. His candid story of navigating the
emotional toll of business failure and rebuilding his life, personally and professionally, offers important lessons for small business owners and those just starting out!
Listen now on Spotify and Apple or watch it on YouTube
We often hear how hectic life is for small business owners. You’re balancing daily operations, managing teams, and making tough decisions—all while trying to keep everything running smoothly. But don’t forget, taking time for
mental health will benefit you, your employees, and your business!
Not sure how to handle mental health issues in the workplace? WorkCover Queensland’s new ‘Mental injury essentials’ webpage offers simple, practical tools to help you navigate mental health challenges in the workplace including helpful videos and factsheets. Learn about workplace mental injuries, your role in WorkCover claims, and how suitable return-to-work duties can enhance your business.
Need help? Find more resources and support here
In these challenging economic times, we understand just how difficult it is for small businesses to stay afloat. Creditor Watch has reported that thousands of Australian businesses have faced insolvency or closure in the past six months after defaulting on significant tax debts.
We recognise the far-reaching consequences of bankruptcy, even though it’s meant to offer a fresh start.
To help, we have made a submission about the Minimal Asset Procedure to improve the Australian personal insolvency system. This can provide small business owner a fair shot at getting back on their feet quickly!
The Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 has been supporting small businesses and job seekers for two years!
This initiative has invested over $70 million in new and expanded workforce programs, benefiting more than 50,000 job seekers and workers, and 17,000 employers. By collaborating with over 140 community and industry partners, it is driving workforce growth and innovation across the state.
Need help with your small business workforce? Check out the support available under the Queensland Workforce Strategy!
NOW Open for Application
Community
Grants Guidelines
Please ensure you check Guidelines for eligible project dates.
Applications open at 12:01am on the opening date and close at 3pm on the closing date.
Round 2
Opens: 7 October 2024
Closes: 4 November 2024
Round 3
Opens: 20 January 2025
Closes: 17 February 2025
Round 4
Opens: 24 March 2025
Closes: 21 April 2025
• $247,000 for projects and events to be spread over 4 rounds during the financial year with $61,750 notionally allocated per round.
• Groups can apply for funding from $500 to $15,000 as cash.
• Maximum 2 applications per group per annum will be funded.
Maximum grant limit of $15,000 per annum will be funded (amount is inclusive of the value of any in-kind services provided by any Council Department).
For more information click here
2024-2025 Mayor’s Community Benefit Fund
Open 1 October 2024
Closes 31 October 2024
Organisations who support those most vulnerable or in need of emergency support within the Fraser Coast
For more information click here
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000).
Round 23
Opens: 6 September 2024
Closes: 5 December 2024
Click here to find out more
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $150,000 for initiatives and activities that:
• support and promote mental health and wellbeing
• prevent mental ill health by enhancing protecting factors and reducing risk factors
• encourage early help-seeking, or
• improve mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, or suicide prevention literacy and understanding.
For more information click here
Gambling Community Benefit Fund Round 121
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) is Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program and distributes approximately $60 million each year to not-forprofit community groups. The GCBF funding helps these groups to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities.
The GCBF will have 3 funding rounds in 2024: 1. Round 122—$35,000 standard grant round—closes 30 November.
To check eligibility requirements and understand your organisation’s responsibilities throughout all stages of the grant funding process visit the website. Contact the GCBF team on phone 1800 633 619 if you need help.
Female Founders Co-Investment Fund
Aimed at innovative female-founded businesses undertaking an early-stage capital raise with new investors.
The fund provides grants from $50,000 to $200,000 matched at a 1:3 ratio and best suited to female founders who understand the responsibilities and legal requirements of equity funding and is open until all funds have been allocated. Click here to find out more.
Round 3 Micro-Crediting Grant
Eligible organisations can apply for up to $250,000 for projects developing micro-credentials addressing industry skill gaps. Applications close 31 October 2024. Check eligibility and apply here.
Business Basics Grant
The Business basics grant has increased funding to $7,500 with registrations of interest open 30 September 2024. How to apply!
Women’s Leadership Scholarships
Available Now: Partial scholarships for women ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per person, for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.
These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles.
Registrations of interest close on Friday 29 November 2024.
Visit our website: https://www.wla.edu.au/industry/ register for more information on the programs, scholarships and to register.
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
Torbanlea works notice – October 2024
Construction works for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) Torbanlea train manufacturing facility will continue throughout October.
Location Type of work
Ongoing installation of site drainage, sediment controls and haul roads.
Continuing earthworks, ground improvement works and removal of excess fill materials from site.
Delivering essential material to site, including crushed rock and fill.
What to expect
Train manufacturing facility site
Installing drainage and inground services.
Excavating and installing stormwater drainage for the facility carpark.
Ongoing deliveries of structural steel for the construction of the manufacturing warehouse.
Continuing work on internal roads, temporary line marking and road signage.
Continuing concrete pours for the facility foundation.
Sealing the road.
Construction noise, low levels of vibration and dust.
For the concrete pour to be safe and efficient, we cannot stop once it has started. On days we are pouring concrete, we may need to work past 6.30pm to ensure a continuous pour.
A speed reduction of 80km/h is in place on the Bruce Highway to allow safe vehicle access into the facility. The changed traffic conditions will be in place during work hours and remain until construction of the facility is complete.
The train manufacturing facility is monitored by security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ritchie Road, Torbanlea
North Coast rail line connection works
Installing line making.
Commencing on site removal and mulching of vegetation.
Installing fencing and sediment controls.
Ritchie Road will remain open during these works with traffic control in place.
Early works to connect the train manufacturing facility site to the North Coast rail line are scheduled to commence in October 2024.
Works will be limited to the southeastern corner of the train
Noble Road, Susan River Installing drainage, asphalt and line marking.
manufacturing facility site. Crews will access the site via the rail corridor.
From late October 2024, works are scheduled to commence to upgrade a 600-metre section of Noble Road between the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Noble Road intersection and the new entrance of the Susan River workforce accommodation village entrance.
Noble Road will remain open during these works with traffic control in place.
These works are weather permitting. We will minimise any impacts of construction where possible, including operating equipment within set noise and vibration limits.
Sunday works
The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) amendment has now been approved. This means audible construction activities can now be undertaken on Sundays. We will continue to prioritise scheduling higher-impact noise activities on days other than Sundays, where possible.
Work hours
Our standard work hours are Monday to Sunday between 6.30am and 6.30pm. The community will be notified in advance if we’re required to work outside of these hours.
Pop-up information sessions
The QTMP Project Information Centre is open at 229 Adelaide Street, Maryborough. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 10am – 2pm. You can talk to the project team at a pop-up information session. The next sessions will be held:
Saturday 5 October between 9am – 12pm at the Project Information Centre, 229 Adelaide Street, Maryborough.
Friday 18 October between 2.30pm – 3.30pm at Torbanlea State School, 32 Torbanlea-Pialba Road, Torbanlea.
Thursday 24 October between 3.00pm – 5.00pm at Stocklands Shopping Centre, 6 Central Avenue, Pialba.
Please get in touch
For any enquiries about the construction of the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility, please contact the Downer Project Team on 1800 464 512 or email qtmp@downergroup.com.
For any enquiries about the Ritchie Road, Noble Road or works within the rail corridor, please contact the TMR Project Team 1800 271 176 or email qtmp@tmr.qld.gov.au.
QTMP – Local Industry Briefing
The Queensland Government is in a caretaker period until after the state election. During this time, there will be no pop-up community information sessions for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. You can still contact the team via phone and email (details below).
Pop-up community information sessions are scheduled to re-commence after the caretaker period has finished. We will let you know in advance of the sessions re-commencing.
The QTMP Project Information Centre will remain open during this time. The Project Information Centre is located at 229 Adelaide Street, Maryborough. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 10am – 2pm and the first Saturday of the month between 9am – 12pm.
Charity of the Month
Fraser Coast Mates
Fraser Coast Mates was formed over 8 years ago by a group of heart-broken mates who lost their good friend and local businessman, Geoff Redpath, to suicide. The huge impact that was felt throughout the community prompted Geoff’s wife Kim and some of his closest mates, to organise a golf day for the first anniversary of his passing, wearing his favourite-coloured pink shirt, as a way of remembering him and to also bring awareness and conversation to Men’s mental health and wellbeing.
We have been fortunate to have to connected with some wonderful Australians that include Jonathan Thurston, Gus Worland and Lisa Curry. Lisa in particular has built a strong relationship with the Fraser Coast Mates messaging that she kindly donated her 2000 Olympic Torch to raise funds which was kindly purchased by Walter Iezzi Property Group, developer of Topaz Luxury Apartments at Shelley Beach, for $10,000.
The golf day is now a sell-out annual event seeing over 200 golfers in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough each year, with the ladies having a sellout luncheon along with each event. Fraser Coast Mates has now raised over $300,000 for mental health support and awareness initiatives on the Fraser Coast since the inception.
We have been overwhelmed by the support from our community and the generous sponsorships from organisations such as Prime Agents and Hervey Bay RSL just to name a few.
We encourage frequent conversations and to share our stories with family, friends and colleagues to help one another through the good times and bad. If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from a confidential consultation but are held back by monetary constraints, please reach out to Fraser Coast Mates. www.frasercoastmates.com.au
Mental health does not discriminate and today, Fraser Coast Mates has evolved to helping all in our community and continues to build solid foundations with funding for counselling and support services, organised social events, supporting community friendly events such as Carols By Candlelight and the Pink Cup promotion. Click to donate
Gallipolli to Armistice
Written By By Greig Bolderrow, Mary Inc. Tourism Leader and manager of the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum
Greig Bolderrow is shown with a group of school children on one of the hundreds of tours he has taken through the Gallipoli to Armistice memorial trail. Other pictures show the scale models of the first landing boats at the entrance to the memorial and story panels withing the representation of the cliffs at Anzac Cove (Photo by Debbie Polley). Maryborough’s tourist appeal is increasingly popular with visitors to Hervey Bay, allowing tourism operators the opportunity to extend bed nights.
When Prime Minister Malcolm Turnball, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Australian War Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson rolled into Maryborough in July 2018 we had an inkling that the project they were here to open had the potential to change the face of tourism here.
The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial in Maryborough’s magnificent Queens Park has done just that.
The idea came from Nancy Bates’ Vietnam veteran husband Tony, who remarked in 2014 that the best place to celebrate the centenary of the Gallipoli landing was Maryborough, home of the first Anzac ashore, Lt Duncan Chapman.
Nancy had a meeting the next day with then Mayor Gerard O’Connell, who was looking for a new opening statement for Queens’ Park, followed by meetings with the Maryborough RSL, media and other interested parties.
I was co-opted, a committee was formed, and we were on our way. The original idea of a bronze statue to honour Duncan soon blossomed into a full-blown memorial honouring the soldiers and nurses who were at Gallipoli and in France.
Grants, in-kind contributions and donations from Fraser Coast Regional Council, the Federal Government, the State Government, businesses and citizens totalled about $5 million. Fast forward to today and the memorial has been visited by
tens of thousands of school children and tourists. I regularly conduct tours from the Fraser Coast Military and Colonial Museum; Fraser Coast citizens savour strolling and relaxing along the unique trail.
About a dozen tour bus companies have the memorial, the museum and the Story Bank on their itineraries when they are on the Fraser Coast. Schools come as far as Mackay, south to the Gold Coast west to Kingaroy and the Darling Downs.
School groups visit throughout the year with many making their Grade 6 End of Year camp or their Grade 9 history camp at Camp Pialba, exploring attractions on the Fraser Coast. All up we would average about 40 tours of Gallipoli to Armistice a year, and most of our school excursions are repeat visits. Guided tours of the memorial are organised through the museum.
The memorial is QR-coded and has motion-activated speakers along the paths that make a visit to the memorial moving and memorable. Many return to absorb more of the world-class experience.
Private groups of 10 or more seeking a guided tour can be catered for by contacting the museum. The tour takes an hour and there is a fee that goes towards the upkeep of the museum.
Up & Coming Events in 2024 Save the Dates
30th October Breakfast
Wednesday 30th October 2024 at Club House Hervey Bay 6:15am - 8:00am
Register Here
Expresso Networking
Friday, 8th November 2024
Venue to be advised 7am - 8am
Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks
Friday 15th November 2024 at Hervey Bay Mini Golf 5:30pm - 7:30pm
