Guest Speaker Keith Pitt Federal Minister for the Hinkler Electorate
To book click here
We are delighted to welcome our Federal Minister for the Hinkler electorate, Keith Pitt, as our guest speaker for our 28 August 2024 Hervey Bay Chamber breakfast.
Keith was first elected to represent the Hinkler electorate in the Australian Parliament in September 2013 and was re-elected at the 2016, 2019, and 2022 elections. Keith served in the Coalition Government as Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, and previously was Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.
Keith’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the issues facing our region make him a valuable voice in Parliament. Throughout his tenure, he has been a staunch advocate for the interests of the Hinkler electorate, work-ing tirelessly to improve infrastructure, support local busi-nesses, and enhance community services. His commit-ment to sustainable development and economic growth has been instrumental in driving progress and creating opportunities for our region.
We are honoured to have Keith share his insights and vi-sion for the future, and we look forward to an engaging and informative breakfast which will have a strong Q&A aspect to it. Please join us for breakfast on the 28th and come prepared with questions for Keith as to how he will work on behalf of Hervey Bay at a federal level.
Member Price $25.00
Non-Member Price $50.00
Wednesday 28th August | 6.15 am – 8.00 am
The Club House Hervey Bay
Registrations are to be completed online before 5 pm –Monday 26th August. PLEASE NOTE NO DOOR SALES
Thank you to our Business Sponsor Wine and Dine Toastmasters Club. Hosted by members Tara Bradbury from Ac-tive Agents and Lisa Smith from EXP Real Estate Australia. The ladies will be representing the Wine and Dine Toast-masters Club, bringing their expertise to help you conquer the fear of public speaking and improve your communica-tion skills.
Theme: Public Speaking and Enhancing Your Communication Skills
What to Expect:
Interactive Presentation: Engaging activities relevant to all ages, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit.
Overcoming Fear: Practical tips and strategies to help you overcome the common fear of speaking in front of an audience.
Post-COVID Confidence: Tools and techniques to regain your communication confidence after the disruptions of the lockdowns. Many express a fear of public speaking that surpasses even their fear of death. Our goal is to shift this mindset and equip you with the confidence to speak effectively, whether in front of a large group or in a one-on-one meeting.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and network with like-minded professionals. Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards becoming a more confident and effective communicator!
Make sure you bring your gold coins along we will be collecting them for our Monthly Charity We Care 2.
Book your tickets now. Limited seats are available and ticketing will close when full.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Update
In the past month we have been travelling through Southeast Queensland, visiting small businesses in areas such as Logan, Ipswich, Arana Hills, Ashgrove and more. As we prepare to head to regional Queensland to welcome a new council to the Small Business Friendly Program, we continue to dedicate our time to meeting with small business owners face to face, listening to their opportunities and challenges, and discussing the services and support available to them.
July marks the new financial year for small business across the country, and with it comes the inevitable tax time. We understand this period is challenging, and it is rare to find someone who speaks fondly of their experiences with the tax process! We hear the collective sigh from small business owners and acknowledge their hard work and resilience during this time.
Recent reports from the ABC have highlighted stories about rising tax and superannuation debts, as well as significant penalties being levied against company directors. The commercial credit reporting bureau, Creditor Watch, paints a sombre picture for Australian businesses, with invoice values plummeting by nearly half compared to last year, and a concerning 8.8% uptick in business failures over the past twelve months. Particularly hard hit are the food and beverage and construction sectors, where tax debts exceed $100,000 with electricity and gas a close second.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO has openly declared it is taking ‘firmer debt collection action’. The belief is this will prevent businesses that don’t meet their fiscal responsibilities from gaining a competitive advantage. In my experience, small business owners are not looking to exploit tax debt for competition’s sake. The small business owners I’ve met are hardworking individuals who juggle numerous responsibilities and bear the weight of supporting both their employees and their own families. I encourage the ATO to engage more with small businesses to improve their awareness of the challenges small business owners are facing.
With the increasing focus on tax-related debts, now more than ever it is crucial for small business owners to have a solid understanding of their financial health, enhance their knowledge of tax matters, and seek professional guidance if you need support or are struggling with these issues.
Photo caption: Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
Our work with the two free tax clinics in Queensland shows that confronting these challenges proactively is an important step and that understanding your true financial position can reduce your risk of insolvency by up to 80%!
For more information on tax as a small business owner, I encourage you to explore the Tax Time Toolkits available on the ATO website and watch their webinars on frequently asked questions. If you want to speak to someone about your business’ finances or the pressures associated with business, please connect with the free Small Busi-ness Support Network for confidential financial counsel-ling, one-on-one support, and information to look after your mental health and wellbeing as you run your busi-ness.
Remember, you are not alone—we are here to help! You are welcome to visit our website, submit an enquiry, or call us on 1300 312 344.
Regional Place Activation Program
Last month we announced the QSBC has partnered with Renew Australia to offer a Regional Place Activation Program tailored for towns across regional and remote Queensland.
Small Business Friendly Program (SBF) council members with a population less than 50,000 were invited to express interest in participating in the program - we are pleased to report that we received 14 applications. Offers to participate in the program have now been made, and we look forward to announcing the successful councils shortly and providing details on how their local small businesses can get involved. Check out the Regional Place Activation Program to ind out more.
Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from the ATO, asking you to log in to your account to verify your details! The email looks authentic, with official logos and language so you click the link and enter your credentials.
A week later, you discover your tax return has been redirected to an unknown account. This is a scam many small business owners have faced recently.
Here are three key tips to help safeguard your business finances:
1. Know: The ATO and MyGov will never send an SMS or email with a link to log on to their services. Always access these portals directly by typing “my. gov.au” or “ato.gov.au” into your browser.
2. Check before you act: If you receive a suspicious message, contact the ATO or MyGov directly.
3. Do: Ensure each of your accounts have a unique password and that you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled to prevent unauthorised access.
Podcast Launch
In July we launched the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s podcast series. ‘Small Business Big Stories’ gives a voice to the heart and soul of Queensland’s entrepreneurial spirit, inviting you to explore the personal journeys of small business owners and find inspiration in their stories.
Our first episode features Clarissa Rayward who shares the innovative ways she’s shaking up her traditional industry, proving that a touch of creativity — channelling the spirit of the Wiggles — can truly set a business apart.
Mark your calendars - new stories drop monthly! Listen on Spotify, Apple or visit our website.
There are also scams, that follow on from you being scammed, where the scammers offer to help recover your money for an upfront free, a percentage of the lost funds, or your tax payment! You should make all requests to recover your money to your financial institution and report any fraud to the police.
We also encourage everyone to report any suspicious phone calls, emails and other activity to the Australian Government SCAMWATCH - every report helps!
Click here to report a scam.
Understand Commercial Lease Outgoings
We’re hearing that rising business expenses, such as utilities, rates, and insurance, is a big concern for both commercial property owners and their small business tenants. While many lessors tell us they are helping where they can, these costs will often need to be passed on to tenants.
Our top tips for fair and legally compliant recovery of outgo-ings:
• Understand cost recovery: Generally, property owners must only recover the actual costs incurred from tenants.
• • Prepare for ‘net recovery’ lease clauses: Accurately estimate the outgoings and later adjust them to match the actual expenses. Adhere to the RSL Act: Always provide retail tenants with an accurate estimate of outgoings at the start of the lease and at least a month prior to each financial year.
•Recover costs fairly: Never charge tenants more than the actual outgoings.
•Meet deadlines: Deliver an audited statement of outgoings to tenants no later than 30 September p.a
It’s important that both parties in a commercial lease stay up to date with legislative requirements to help maintain trust in the business relationship.
For more information, check out our fact sheet with information you should ask yourself when reviewing or preparing your annual audited statements.
Navigate your Financial Challenges Wisely
We’re seeing an increase in small businesses navigating financial hardship. A surge in appeals to the National Small Business Debt Helpline during May and June is a sign of the distress being faced across the community! Before you consider a quick-fix loan, be wary of the pitfalls of predatory lending which often make debts worse and can ruin your long-term financial health.
Be aware of predatory lending red flags:
•Sky-high interest rates: Can surpass 100% accelerating your debt spiral.
• Hidden fees: Deceptive charges buried in fine print.
• Balloon payments: Big final amounts due at the end of the loan.
• Early payoff penalties: Fines for paying off the loan ahead of schedule.
• Seek expert advice: Consult a financial adviser before committing to loans.
• Scrutinise terms: Be meticulous with loan agreements, especially fees and penalties.
• Consider alternatives: Investigate various debt management strategies.
• Negotiate with creditors: Direct dialogue can forge favourable resolutions.
If you are experiencing hardship or debt recovery becomes a reality, get access to broader specialist support services such as legal advice, marketing support, accounting advice and wellness coaches through the Queensland Government Small Business Support Network.
Don’t face financial stress alone – connect with the network today!
Unlock the world: Small Business exporting made easy
Haveyoueverdreamtofseeingyourproductsor services reach new heights across international shores? If global markets seem like uncharted territory, we’ve got great news for you – you don’t need to be a corporate giant to achieve globalsuccess!
We’re supporting Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) to reach more small businesses across regional, rural, and remote Queenslandfostering conversations to demystify the export journey for Queensland’s small business community
Together, let’s turn your local ingenuity into a globalsuccess!
Find out more here
NOW Open for Application Community Grants - Closing 19 August 2024
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 1
Opens: 22 July 2024
Closes: 19 August 2024
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 p er group p er a nnum w ill 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
Petstock Foundation
We look for organisations or projects that create long-term change and care for or help rehabilitate those in need (whether that’s people, animals or the planet!).
• ASSIST abused, abandoned and neglected pets through rescue, rehabilitation and/and rehoming initiatives;
• will SUPPORT those who require assistance within our communities through companion animal projects and disaster assistance;
• will help raise AWARENESS about rescue pets, animal health and the impact of animals on human happiness and health.
Click here for more information
Community Grants Program
RACQ Foundation Community Grants Program was established to help Queensland communities impacted by natural disasters. In keeping with this objective, we’ve created a new grant category for resilience-based projects. This new category will help Queensland communities build resilience for the future.
With this new category we continue to focus on supporting Communities and grass roots organisations. Eligible groups include sporting clubs, community groups, charities and councils. With up to $50,000 available to individual projects, RACQ Foun-dation encourages eligible organisations/councils to apply.
FY25 Round 1 – Open from Saturday, 24 February 2024 –Closes at 5pm on Friday, 4 October 2024. For more information click here
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grass-roots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly ben-efit 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
Felton Industries Outdoor Furniture Grants Program Atotalgrantfundingpoolof$20,000isavailable!
Sports clubs/associations and educational institutions can apply for grant funding! We’re looking to support innovative projects that enhance your outdoor space with Felton Industries’ outdoor furniture.
Sports Clubs and Educational Institutions can apply for one-off grants of up to $10,000 to be used on Felton Outdoor furniture. This is the perfect opportunity to transform your outdoor area, turning empty spaces into meeting places.
Whether your outdoor spaces are in need of sun-safe shelters, tables and chairs for outdoor lunch or learning, a grandstand for your oval or bench seating for footpaths and courtyards, our new grant opportunity can assist.
Applications close 5pm, 29 August 2024
Click here to apply or for more information.
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 120—$35,000 standard grant round—closes 29 February
2. Round 121—$100,000 30th Anniversary super round— closes 30 April
3. 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 b usinesses 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.
QTMP – Local Industry Briefing
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) recently hosted its third industry briefing session at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre in Maryborough, with a strong turnout from local suppliers.
These local industry briefings provide interested suppliers with the opportunity to learn about the project, gain a firm understanding of the tendering process, upcoming work packages, and how to get involved in the project.
QTMP – Update
Construction of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMPTorbanlea train manufacturing facility is progressing. Initial works have included establishing site accesses, setting up site compounds and undertaking bulk earthworks. In parallel, the design of the facility has been continuing.
To inform the design, between December 2023 and March 2024, we asked you for feedback about the concept design as well as what’s important to you in the Torbanlea community.
Thank you for the time taken to provide this feedback. Where we can, this feedback is being used to inform the final design. We expect to finalise the design in early 2025.
What’s next for the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility:
Early 2025 Design finalised.
Late 2025 Train manufacturing facility construction completed and train manufacturing begins.
Late 2026 The first train is completed and begins testing.
Future dates are indicative only.
The upgrade included widening the road to create a single dedicated lane in each direction, laying new asphalt, line marking and delivering a new dedicated active transport pathway. Ritchie Road is the permanent access to the Torbanlea train manufacturing site for light vehicles.
Heavy vehicles access the site via the Bruce Highway.
John Holland Group, which has been subcontracted by Downer to build the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility, and Hyundai Rotem which is part of a joint venture with Downer to build the rollingstock (trains), both presented at the event. The presentations covered details about the upcoming works program, timelines and projected procurement schedules.
The Department of State Development and Infrastructure also attended, providing information on policies and standards. The night wrapped up with a networking session, providing the opportunity to speak directly with the project team.
Downer and its sub-contractors are committed to working with local businesses and developing local skills.
Local industry briefings about upcoming opportunities will be held throughout the construction period. Subscribe to be advised of upcoming supplier events. If you would like to supply goods and services to QTMP, register on the Supply TMR portal.
For additional information about the project, be sure to drop into to the QTMP project information centre, located at 229 Adelaide Street, Maryborough.
Optimise your SupplyTMR profile and EOI responses Webinar
Maximise your supply opportunities through the SupplyTMR portal
What is SupplyTMR?
SupplyTMR is an online supplier registration platform hosted by BenchOn that intelligently matches people, products and materials directly to the suppliers who are best suited to support a project.
SupplyTMR gives you safe and easy access to EOI’s, tenders and workforce contract opportunities for projects like the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. In just a few clicks, you can keep on top of all the opportunities, see others you weren’t aware of before, apply for those that match your capabilities, and control who has access to your information.
Why attend this webinar?
This webinar will help you learn how to use the SupplyTMR portal efficiently and how to create your profile to increase your chances of securing contract opportunities.
At this webinar you will learn to;
• Navigate the TMR portal
• Optimise your profile on SupplyTMR
• Respond to opportunities with more success.
Workshop details
Date: 19 September 2024
Time: 11.00am – 12.00noon
Venue: Online (via MS Teams)
Cost: Free
Register:
Register
Registrations close at 19 September 2024 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/optimise-your-supplytmr-profileand-eoi-responses-webinar-tickets-911083022847
Find out more
Contact: SEQ South Regional Office
Department of State Development and Infrastructure 5644 3202 or seq.south@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au Want to stay in touch? Follow @GrowingQld
DSDI collects registration information, including personal details, related to attendance at business seminars run by the department. The information will not be disclosed to any third parties, unless authorised or required by law. Workshops may be cancelled if registration levels are not met. You will be notified of alternative event options.
Charity of the Month
Established in 2004, We Care 2 Inc. is a vital community agency whose primary objective is to assist struggling Fraser Coast individuals and families put food on their table and to resource their families in times of financialcrisis.
We support hundreds of families every week through our low-cost food support centre, community breakfast, sunshine van, emergency relief, and free counselling/ coaching sessions.
• Professional free Counselling by qualified Counsellors3daysperweek
• Extra Choices’ Low-Cost Food Support Centre: Our low-cost food centre is accessed by over 500 families per week and istheonlycentreofthiskindin Hervey Bay.Itisalsothelargest supermarketstylefoodreliefagency acrosstheentireFraserCoast/WideBay area.
Join us for an Inside look at
Advanced Manufacturing
Inside Advanced Manufacturing is a free event showcasing advanced manufacturing, running across Queenslandfrom2-13September2024.
A variety of Queensland’s advanced manufacturers and support organisations will open their doors to fellow manufacturers and school students. They’ll demonstrate their innovative manufacturing techniquesandtechnologiesinrealworldapplications.
You’ll gain insights from Queensland’s early adopters of innovative and cutting-edge processes, systems, and technologies. You’ll also see demonstrations of digital technologies, robotics,automation,and soft-wareintegration.
You’ll have opportunitiesto network with fellow manufacturers and learn how you can increase yourbusinesses
The Inside Advanced Manufacturing event builds on the Queensland Government’s Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.
Meet the 2024 Inside Advanced Manufacturing Exhibitors
Tours will be held state-wide Limited spots are available so registering your interest early is essential!
For more information please visit qld.gov.au/insidemanufacturing
To register click here
A magical interlude laced with intrigue
Written By By Jacqui Elson-Green, president of Mary Inc.
Mary Inc. is a community-based organisation primarily focused on revitalising Maryborough’s heart as a charming place to explore, relax and enjoy inner city living. One of our aims is to create synergies with stronger relationships with Hervey Bay tourism operators and residents, promoting day trips to the river city and extending the Bay’s tourism bed nights.
If you haven’t already visited Maryborough’s StoryBank, do yourself a favour, leave the every day behind and immerse yourself in the magical world of Mary Poppins. Don’t be fooled into thinking this worldclass museum on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets is just for children. There’s something for us all at the Story Bank as I discovered when I returned to live on the Fraser Coast af-ter a break of many years.
I was delighted to find what blossomed in Maryborough’s inner city, where restored heritage buildings have created picturesque streetscapes, and enchanted to find, among other things, the StoryBank.
The magnificent building is the birthplace of Helen Lyndon Goff, who became known as P.L. Travers, the creator of the ethereal, no-nonsense nanny, Mary Poppins. Originally the Australian Joint Stock Bank,
Click here
the heritage-listed building has been transformed into an intriguing world where the emphasis is on having fun by getting involved with interactive displays and activities.
Since opening in 2019, the Story Bank has delighted thousands of visitors from around the globe who eagerly jump at the chance to visit this unique museum, have their photo taken with the iconic Mary Poppins statue and make like Mary in the 3D photo op near the entrance.
Also charming our visitors are the Mary-inspired pedes-trian lights throughout the CBD. Mary’s green, brolly up – safe to cross. Mary’s red, brolly down – don’t cross her.
We are fortunate that our Fraser Coast Regional Council has truly embraced all things Mary Poppins.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Update Opportunities
Boostyourbusinesswithenergysavings
The new Small Business Energy Incentive offers a 20% tax deduction for energy-efficient expenditure up to $100,000. Eligible businesses with under $50M turnover can receive an up to $20,000 tax deduction!
Unlock your social enterprise potential with Understorey
An Australian Government initiative, Understorey is an online resource dedicated to the social enterprise sector. Find educational tools and resources to help you start, run, and evolve a social enterprise and explore the wider impact economy.
Power up workplace skills
Explore the Fair Work Ombudsman’s free interactive courses on diversity, hiring, record-keeping, and workplace laws. We encourage employers, managers, and advisers to enrol to improve these important workplace skills!
Up & Coming Events in 2024
Save the Dates
28th August Breakfast
Wednesday 28th August2024 at Club House Hervey Bay 6:15am - 8:00am
Register Here
Expresso Networking
Friday, 6th September 2024 at ANZ Bank 7am - 8am Book your ticket
Register Here
Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks
Friday 20th September, 2024 at Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club 5:30pm - 7:30pm
