27th November
Chamber Breakfast
Guest Speaker Paul Algie, Qld Police Inspector
Welcome Message from our President,
The Fraser Coast business community is no stranger to the challenges posed by crime. From petty theft to sophisticated cyberattacks, the ripple effects can be devastating— not just in terms of financial loss but also in the erosion of trust and community confidence. However, where there are challenges, there are opportunities. By strengthening partnerships between businesses, the Queensland Police Service (QPS), and the wider community, we can foster resilience and create a safer, more prosperous environment for all.
Crime in the business sector is multifaceted. It ranges from physical crimes such as vandalism, burglary, and shoplifting to more complex issues like fraud and cybersecurity breaches. Beyond immediate losses, businesses often face increased insurance premiums, disrupted operations, and reputational damage. Similarly, the broader community is impacted by anti-social behaviour and organised crime, which contribute to a sense of insecurity and diminishes the quality of life. These problems are however not insurmountable, and solutions lie in unity and proactive measures.
Tackling crime requires a whole-of-community approach, where businesses, law enforcement, and local stakeholders work hand in hand. By embracing a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, Fraser Coast’s business community, and the wider public, can lead the way in creating a safer, more resilient society. The partnership between businesses, community members, and QPS is a powerful tool. Together, we can not only respond
to crime but also prevent it, ensuring that our region remains a vibrant and secure place to live and do business.
Let’s take action today—for our businesses, our communities, and our future, and consider that a great first step forward could be attending our last Chamber breakfast for 2024 to hear from QPS Inspector Paul Algie, and Detective A/Inspector Crime and Support Services Wide Bay Burnett District, Melonie Geck, on current crime statistics, resilience building ideas for the business community and what changes to the way policing is happening in our community.
Sandra Holebrook
Get Ready for AJ2025!
The 26th Australian Jamboree (AJ2025) is coming to Maryborough from 6-15 January 2025, bringing up to 10,000 scouts and their families to the area.
They will participate in a variety of activities, challenges, and events at the Maryborough Showgrounds, as well as local attractions in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
This is a great opportunity for local businesses to boost their business by tapping into this exciting influx of guests from across Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
For more information go here
Join us for our final breakfast of 2024 on 27 November to hear from Queensland Police Inspector Paul Algie.
With over 20 years in the Queensland Police Service, Inspector Algie has brought a wealth of experience to the Fraser Coast from his time in various regions, including Toowoomba, North Queensland, Atherton, Gladstone, and Cherbourg. He has worked in covert operations as part of a drug squad before serving in Mackay and Gympie, and now leads the Maryborough Patrol Group.
Paul will provide an insightful update on policing across the Fraser Coast. Community safety has become more than a priority - it’s a fundamental expectation for many residents. Recent political debates have highlighted the pressing need for effective policing and robust community collaboration to ensure that people feel secure both where they live and where they work. Inspector Algie will discuss how community members can work hand-in-hand with the police to create a safer Fraser Coast for all.
Member Price $25.00
Non-Member Price $50.00
Wednesday 27th November| 6.15 am – 8.00 am
The Club House Hervey Bay
Registrations are to be completed online before 5 pm – Monday 25th November
. 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 Wildlife Sanctuary. To book click here
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Inspector Algie’s invaluable insights. Secure your tickets now for an engaging and informative morning with us!
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Update
This month, we’ve had the pleasure of making new friends to get better outcomes for small businesses across Queensland!
First, we met Charles Burke, the Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner. Charles leads an independent role, born out of the supermarket prices inquiry, to convince supermarkets to treat farmers fairly. With agriculture being one of Queensland’s top industries, particularly in our rural, regional, and remote communities, his work is vital. As agribusiness continues to evolve, it’s crucial that the supply chain from farms to consumers stays efficient and strong.
We’ve also had the chance to sit down with John “JC” Collins, the newly appointed Night Life Economy Commissioner. Like the Food Farmers Commissioner, JC’s role is independent of government, and he’ll be working closely with live music venues, night clubs, bars, restaurants, festival organisers, arts outlets, local pubs, and entertainment precincts to boost the night economy across the state. This is great news for small businesses in these industries, and we’re already discussing key issues they face. We’re looking forward to collaborating with both commissioners in the coming months.
In addition to these collaborations, we are increasing our efforts to ensure the voices of small business owners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are part of our ongoing advocacy. Queensland is home to over 160 culturally diverse communities, and in 2001 it was identified that 22.3% of Queenslanders were born overseas and nearly 7% speak a language other than English at home. This month, we have connected with business leaders from the Vietnamese, Filipino, Indian, and Sri Lankan communities as we work toward establishing a small business multicultural roundtable. If you’re a small
business owner from a culturally diverse background, we’d love to hear from you—your voice matters, and we want to ensure it’s part of the conversation. Feel free to reach out to us.
Our travels also took us to Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and the Sunshine Coast meeting with member councils of our Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program and business chambers. Each year the member councils give us their Annual Report about their SBF initiatives and successes. It was great to be with Rockhampton Regional Council as their report was presented. With a renewed focus on small business, they’ve developed a local government procurement training program, created a business networking calendar, launched new grants for façade improvements and incentives to convert main street commercial property into accommodation—helping businesses house staff and boost the local economy.
I continue to be inspired by the commitment of our SBF Program members and how they keep coming up with new ways to support their small business community. Their efforts are making a tangible difference, and it’s wonderful to see the impact they’re having on the lives of Queensland business owners.
Of course, we understand the challenges small businesses face—especially around accessing capital. We have heard from many small business owners how difficult this can be, and this is often due to 80% of business finance being tied to a home loan, bank closures in regional, rural, and remote areas, and poor understanding of other business investment opportunities. However, there’s hope. This week, I had the pleasure of participating in a consultation with Wayne Gerard, a former Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, who is advocating for better capital pathways. There’s a growing interest from investors to
Photo caption: Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
better understand the needs of small businesses and provide education around venture capital and equity raising, which is promising for the future.
Lastly, a shout-out to our assistance team and mediators. They’re working incredibly hard on the front line, helping small business owners every day. Their work has contributed to a 65% decrease in landlord-tenant disputes for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, as indicated in their Annual Report. This is a huge achievement, and I could not be prouder of the team’s efforts.
As we continue to push forward through these challenging times, remember there are opportunities and support available for small business, and one conversation can be all it takes to make the difference.
We’re here for you! 1300 312 344
In episode 4 of ‘Small Business Big Stories,’ join the Commissioner who talks with Kay Tommerup, farmer, foodie, and mum from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm on the Scenic Rim, to explore how a traditional dairy operation transformed into a thriving agritourism destination.
Kay shares the remarkable journey of her family’s 150-year-old farm and candidly discusses the challenges of adapting to market changes while staying true to your values in business.
Subscribe now on Spotify or Apple or visit our website to listen
It’s time to prepare with Get Ready Queensland! As severe weather season approaches, ensure your home, pets, and business are protected.
Visit your local council’s website for essential resources and create a solid plan to safeguard your property and livestock.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Familiarise yourself with local evacuation and recovery centres and remember, support is available including personal hardship assistance, housing aid, and community recovery hotlines.
Act now to protect what matters most!
Access support
We’re pleased to share that our QSBC Annual Report for FY 2023-24 has been tabled in Parliament and it’s been a year full of milestones and opportunities!
As a small, dedicated team of 15 people we’re proud to support Queensland small businesses, collaborate with industry, and advocate to government for better outcomes.
Curious about what we’ve been doing?
Read the report
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 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
Fraser Coast Regional Council Plant Donation Program
The Fraser Coast Native Plant Donations Policy provides that eligible individuals and organisation may apply, or be invited to apply, to receive donated native plants for planting on lands within the Fraser Coast region. The Guideline outlines who may apply, eligible projects, when and how applications can be submitted, and how plants can be collected. Please refer to the application form and guidelines on the website. Click here to learn more.
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 protective factors and reducing risk factors
• encourage early intervention, 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-for-profit 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.
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.
Applications are now open for the Ergon-Energex Community Fund
Applications close 5:00pm 29 November 2024
Are you a part of a local community group seeking funding to bring your innovative ideas to life?
The fund is open and we’re offering individual grants of up to $10,000. These grants are up for grabs by notfor-profit community groups and similar organisations throughout Queensland.
We would like to hear from you about projects aimed at community resilience (like disaster preparedness) as well as the renewable energy transformation for initiatives including solar, battery storage, energy literacy and much more.
This year we’re bringing back our People’s Choice bonus which will see one fortunate recipient winning an additional $5,000 in funding for their organisation.
Click here to learn more
Receiving a lease breach notice can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end of the of the road — it’s a prompt to address an issue before it escalates! Common triggers include late payments, unauthorised use, or property maintenance issues. If unresolved, landlords may issue a final warning, terminate the lease, or even lock you out.
Need help? Start by discussing options with your landlord, seeking professional advice from a commercial tenant advocate, or applying for mediation through QSBC. We’ve helped many tenants and lessors reach practical solutions through our mediation service.
Visit our website for more information and support.
We hear from many small business owners worrying about changing market conditions and how to get ahead. Embracing digital marketing tools can help you adapt and boost your business.
Consider the success story of Trish, a Personal Travel Manager who transformed her advertising struggles using the Australian Government Digital Solutions program. After facing difficulties in building her online presence, Trish created a Digital Action Plan to enhance her visibility. With newfound marketing skills and confidence, Trish revamped her website and social media strategy reaching her targeted customer base, improving her financial management, and making a significant impact in her industry.
Click here to find out more information about the program.
The Property Law Act 2023 will take effect on 1 August 2025, marking Queensland’s first major property law reform in nearly 50 years. It’s vital for lessors and lessees to understand the changes ahead and our QSBC Assistance team is here to help you stay informed.
If you need any assistance you can contact the QSBC Assistance team here.
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
Torbanlea works notice – November 2024
Construction works for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) Torbanlea train manufacturing facility will continue throughout November.
Location Type of work
Train manufacturing facility
Continuing earthworks, ground improvement works, and removal of excess fill materials from the site.
Delivering essential materials to the site, including crushed rock, fill, and structural steel.
Ongoing installation of the facility car park drainage and additional underground services.
Continuing installation of structural steel and pouring concrete for the facility building's foundation and support structures.
Commencing preparation works for the installation of the facility roofing and cladding.
Commencing foundation works for the facility amenities, including detailed excavations and concrete pours.
What to expect
Construction noise, low levels of vibration and dust.
For the concrete pours to be safe and efficient, we cannot stop once they have 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.
Early works to connect the train manufacturing facility site to the North Coast rail line are underway.
Continuing on site removal and mulching of vegetation.
Works will be limited to the southeastern corner of the train manufacturing facility site.
Crews will access the site via the rail corridor and State Forest land, entering at the intersection of Top Road and the Bruce Highway
North Coast rail line, Torbanlea
Ritchie Road, Torbanlea
Continuing to install fencing and sediment controls.
Installing permanent rail corridor fencing including maintenance access.
Completing final finishing works on the shared user path and culverts.
Noble Road, Susan River
Installing drainage, asphalt and line marking.
Noble Road will remain open, with some minor delays expected.
Works will be undertaken along Ritchie Road between the shared user path and the rail corridor.
You may notice an increase in workers and vehicles during these works.
Ritchie Road will remain open.
Works are ongoing to upgrade a 600metre 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.
These works are weather permitting. We will minimise any impacts of construction where possible, including operating equipment within set noise and vibration limits.
To view a map that details the works locations, please visit tmr.qld.gov.au/trainmanufacturing.
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 Queensland Government is in a caretaker period. 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 during this time. We will let you know in advance of the sessions re-commencing.
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 Noble Road upgrade, Ritchie Road or rail connection works, please contact the TMR Project Team 1800 271 176 or email qtmp@tmr.qld.gov.au.
The QTMP Project Information Centre is open at 229 Adelaide Street, Maryborough. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 10am – 2pm and the first Saturday of the month between 9am – 12pm.
Round 7 Rural Economic Development Grant
Apply for co-contribution grants up to $200,000 by November 22, 2024, from Queensland Rural and Industry development Authority to grow your rural venture. Submit Your EOI
Disclosure of Business Tax and Super Debts
If you’re struggling to keep on top of your business tax and super obligations or need to disclose business tax debts, don’t wait! Talk to your registered tax professional, get help from a FREE Financial Counsellor, or reach out to the ATO early for help. Find out more
Get up to $5,000 for HR Support
Eligible small businesses can receive grants to tackle immediate HR challenges. Don’t miss out—find out how you can strengthen your workforce. Check eligibility and apply
Free Workforce Resources
Jobs Queensland are supporting councils in our Small Business Friendly Program to help small businesses in their regions grow their workforce.
Find out more
50% off Chamber Membership
Charity of the Month Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Inc. is a not-forprofit organisation formed by a dedicated band of volunteers to ensure the future of the Sanctuary and its inhabitants.
If you are considering a voluntary position with the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, please complete our Volunteer Pack.
We are located in the Heritage City of Maryborough, Queensland, a 3 hour drive north of Brisbane and a short 30 minute drive to Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Queensland and the gateway to spectacular K’gari.
Our canteen provides delicious morning and afternoon teas, as well as light lunches. Hot and cold drinks are available. A range of souvenirs are on sale. A variety of wildlife paintings by local, well-known artists are also on display. Take advantage of our BBQ facilities and enjoy a family picnic with a difference.
We specialise in tours for school groups, which are both entertaining and educational. Birthday parties, community events and family days out are also catered for. Bus parking is available.
Our knowledgeable volunteer staff are happy to guide you and hope you enjoy the sanctuary as much as they do.
At the Wildlife Sanctuary you can:
• Pat a kangaroo and howl with the dingoes
• Interact with, and learn about Australia’s largest land predator, the dingo
• Dingo Experiences are available
• Feed kangaroos and wallabies
• Be entertained by the cockatoos’ antics
• Learn about snakes... their eating habits, habitat, and more
• Snake Experiences are available
• Wrap Gorgeous, the black headed python, around your neck... if you dare!
• Feel the smoothness of a blue tongue lizard
• See how many of our parrots will talk to you
Click to donate
Anzac Park
Written By Jacqui Elson-Green, President of Mary Inc.
Fountains, play equipment, wet areas, exercise stations and sheltered seating equipped with barbecues make Anzac Park and Splashside one of the most magnificent recreational areas in Queensland.
Winding paths through 30 acres of spreading shady trees and a family vision for all-abilities-all-ages vision have created an activity-filled green oasis.
Fraser Coast residents are often pleasantly surprised to find what unfolds when they explore. A picnic day in the park can be recommended to visitors to Hervey Bay looking for reasons to extend their stay.
Packed with things to do on the corner of Alice and Cheapside streets, it sits next to the picturesque Maryborough Golf Club and overlooks Ululah Lagoon, the city’s first water supply.
water-play area, all abilities playground with a delightful Spoonful of Sugar tumbling feature, multi-coloured fountains and climbing game.
The three main play areas cater for toddlers through to bigger kids and adults often join in the fun t. There’s also a skate bowl, children’s fort, flying fox, climbing gym, low ropes course and lots of swings, including for youngsters with a disability.
The latest addition, a pump track, is a wonderful way for kids to burn off excess energy. You can also bounce a ball, or shoot a hoop, on the netball courts or play tennis on one of 16 courts.
Joggers, walkers, cyclists and dogs can use the 2.7klm track around the golf course with workout stations along the way.
If you’re looking for a gentler way to spend the day, grab some bread and feed the ducks in Ululah the lagoon, which drops into a mesmerising waterfall that has been renamed Lions Fall after its traditional name was deemed a little risque in modern slang.
If you’re coming up from Hervey Bay and feel like taking it easy, catch the 705 bus to Maryborough City Hall, then cross the street and catch the 703 Ululah bus which will drop you right outside Anzac Park.
The Carriers Arms Hotel Motel is right across the road serving morning tea, lunch and dinner and Fresh Woodfire Pizza and Pasta is opposite the tennis courts.
Up & Coming Events in 2024
Save the Dates
27th November Breakfast Wednesday 27th November 2024 at Club House Hervey Bay 6:15am - 8:00am
Register Here
Be a Business or Venue Sponsor in 2025
We are starting to plan for our 2025 chamber events and would love you to be a part of it with us.
We have a range of opportunities for you to expose your business to the wider business community.
Breakfast Business Sponsorship (1 available)
Last Wednesday of the Month
Cost $300.00 + $50 Lucky Door Prize
• Speak at the breakfast for 10 mins
• Place signage up at the breakfast
• Place fliers on tables at the breakfast
• Be promoted on all marketing material for the event (social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and website)
• Provided a list of business cards from the Lucky Door Prize.
Expresso Networking Event
1st Friday of the month
Business Sponsor (9 available)
Cost $200.00 + $50 Lucky Door Prize
• Speak at the expresso networking for 5 mins
• Place signage up at the expresso networking event
• Place fliers on tables at the event
• Be promoted on all marketing material for the event (social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and website)
• Provided a list of business cards from the Lucky Door Prize
Venue Sponsor (6 available)
Cost: Provide venue and one drink per person and canapes.
• Speak at the expresso networking for 5 mins
• Place signage up at the expresso networking event
• Place fliers on tables at the event
• Be promoted on all marketing material for the event (social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and website)
Business Hervey Bay Drinks 3rd Friday of the month
Business Sponsor (9 available)
Cost $200.00 + $50 Lucky Door Prize
• Speak at the drinks event for 5 mins
• Place signage up at the drinks networking event
• Place fliers on tables at the event
• Be promoted on all marketing material for the event (social media posts, email marketing campaigns and website)
• Provided a list of business cards from the Lucky Door Prize
Venue Sponsor (8 available)
Cost: Provide one coffee per person.
• Speak at the Business Hervey Bay Drinks for 5 mins
• Place signage up at the drinks networking event
• Place fliers on tables at the event
• Be promoted on all marketing material for the event (social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and website)
If you would like to be a sponsor please email us, the event you would like to sponsor, Breakfast, Expresso Networking, or Business Hervey Bay Drinks and if you would like to be a business or venue sponsor. admin@herveybaychamber.com.au
Thank you to our Business Sponsor
Congratulations to our lucky door prize winner
