Business Matters Fraser Coast Magazine Issue Two

Farewell to a Legend

It is with sad news that the chamber advises that one of our long-standing members Norman McLean passed away on the 24th of February with his family alongside him. Norm has been fighting cancer and unfortunately lost his battle.

Norm has been a valuable member of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce. Norm built and created Susan River Homestead with his father back in the 1970’s. We would like to send our condolences to his family from the Chamber committee and its members.

It was always a joy seeing Norm’s smiling face at the Chamber breakfasts every month. Those who know Norm, know he is such a kind-hearted gentleman who was so passionate about Susan River Homestead, his family and of course his dog Buster.

There will be a celebration of Norm’s life held at the Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre at 5 Walker Street Maryborough on Thursday 7th March at 11am.

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Individual awards

• Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

• Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

• Vocational Student of the Year

Celebrate you. The Queensland Training Awards shine the spotlight on the power of skills and people just like you.

Apprentices, trainees and students - the people who train and the businesses that employ – your success demonstrates how training changes lives, forges careers, and builds strong and skilled workforces.

Your story is powerful. Celebrate and tell your story through the Queensland Training Awards. Award Nominations close 12 March 2024.

Want to enter?

Check out the Queensland Training Awards’ website for more information about the awards, including how to apply in a few easy steps.

NOMINATE NOW!

Don’t forget, if you need any help email the North Coast QTA team at ncoasttraining@desbt.qld.gov.au or call them on 1800 210 210.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

• School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

• Equity VET Student of the Year

• VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year Business and community awards

• Community Training Initiative of the Year

• Large Employer of the Year

• Medium Employer of the Year

• Small Employer of the Year

• Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award Training provider awards

• Large Training Provider of the Year

• Small Training Provider of the Year

Additional categories are available at the national level, as part of the Australian Training Awards.

To nominate, click here

As part of the Australian Government’s action towards ambitious climate goals (a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050), a phased roll-out of new mandatory climaterelated reporting regime will be enacted from 1 July this year (2024) to require businesses to report and disclose climate-related data relating to their operations. This brings unprecedented change and increased expectation on businesses in terms of financial reporting, accountability and transparency.

Climate-related reporting related to the disclosure of information related to a company’s environmental impact, risks, and opportunities associated with climate change. It is a method of informing investor decisions, which encompasses both the immediate and long-term effects of climate change on business operations.

While not every organisation will be required to respond to the regime, the impact of this will be felt across every organisation as the cascading effects are experienced through the supply chain and economy. For example, reporting companies may seek information from their suppliers to inform their Scope 3 GHG emissions; or they may place more stringent requirements for their suppliers to achieve act responsibly and provide data that helps to quantify impacts and demonstrate action.

While many businesses that are the focus of the initial roll-out phase (see below) have taken some steps toward readiness, research found that less than 40% of businesses that will be required to mandatorily report are prepared (RSM, 2023). This figure does not consider businesses likely to be impacted as a result of the cascading effects (predominantly SMEs). However, we know from our own Business Chamber Queensland Sustainability Maturity research that 53% of businesses are operating at only Compliance or below levels of Sustainability Maturity.

Currently there are three proposed phased roll-outs of the regulation:

Incoming: Climate Reporting. Are you ready?

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) has released the Exposure Draft ED SR1 Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards – Disclosure of Climaterelated Financial Information which will ultimately set the deporting Standards, in line with international reporting Standards. The AASB is currently seeking comment on the Draft until 1 March 2024.

Want to be on the front foot, but don’t know where to start?

The most important thing that your business can be doing to prepare for incoming climate-related disclosure reporting is to define a baseline and start measuring and annually benchmarking your emissions data (see ecoBiz resource below).

If you are an organisation that will be required to report, familiarise yourself with the ASSB reporting framework requirements and any specific obligations for your industry.

Once you have established a baseline, start to engage with stakeholders within the business and any suppliers or partners to determine their capacity to collect and provide any environmental data.

What resources are available to my business?

If your business (or on of your suppliers) has 200FTE or less, Business Chamber Queensland can help you baseline and benchmark your data for free through our ecoBiz program

If you are a Director and want to understand your responsibilities, the Australian Institute of Company Directors in Partnership with Deloitte and Minter Ellison have released a directors guide to mandatory climate reporting

The AASB Exposure Draft Reporting Framework can be found here: AASB ED SR1. You can also provide feedback on the draft Standards via survey, Outreach event or comment via the AASB website

See Business Chamber Queensland’s Advancing Business Sustainability Report to learn more about Business Sustainability Maturity levels in Queensland. To learn more click here.

Boom town: Accenture research correlates faster, stronger nbn with greater regional workforce participation

New economic research from Accenture1 has revealed that a faster, higher capacity nbn® network is helping to profoundly change Australia’s workforce demographics, particularly for those escaping Australia’s major cities for a sea change, tree change or outer suburban lifestyle.

Accenture found ‘the nbn has overwhelmingly benefitted households and businesses in remote and regional areas.’ Researchers also found that ’faster broadband2 has also been an equaliser of opportunity for Australians in lower socio-economic communities.’ It found that the most disadvantaged communities experienced up to five times the productivity boost when compared to more advantaged communities.

The research notes that the underlying value of broadband in connecting people is more powerful in geographically isolated regions because it improves the ability to launch and operate online businesses or engage in well-paid corporate employment while working from home full-time or for a portion of the week.

Accenture estimates that higher average broadband speeds enabled by the nbn has supported the creation of 169,000 jobs throughout Australia in the ten-year period from 2012 to 2022, equivalent to 1 per cent increase of Australia’s labour force.

Over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030, Accenture estimates that higher average broadband speeds will support the creation of 113,000 additional jobs, bringing the total number of nbn supported employment opportunities to around 282,000 jobs.

Accenture also estimates that over the last ten years, the nbn has created a 1.5 times stronger impact on female employment relative to male employment, with the enablement of approximately 101,000 new job opportunities for women compared to approximately 68,000 new job opportunities for men.

Researchers say the greater productivity benefits accruing to women are associated with improved access to more flexible working arrangements and online education, greater access to online services and stronger female participation in sectors such as professional, scientific and technical services, and finance and insurance, with these industries faster to embrace the benefits of remote working and cloud computing.

In 2011, prior to the nbn rollout, only 55 per cent of households in regional and remote communities were connected to home broadband and average download speeds were 9 Mbps.

By 2023 the number of regional and remote households that have chosen to connect to home broadband had grown to 77 per cent and average download speeds were 53 Mbps.

Accenture found that of the top 20 regions that experienced the biggest productivity benefits from faster broadband speeds, the majority are classed as regional or remote:

NBN Co’s current network upgrade program has so far enabled more than 8.4 million residential and business premises, or 75 per cent of the nbn fixed line network, to access the nbn Home Ultrafast wholesale speed tier, which is capable of delivering access wholesale download speeds to 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps2,3. NBN Co is on target to enable 10.2 million premises, or up to 90 per cent of the nbn fixed line network, to access the nbn Home Ultrafast wholesale speed tier by the end of 2025.

In November 2023, NBN Co announced a proposal to increase the potential maximum information rate for the existing nbn Fixed Wireless Plus wholesale plan from up to 75/10 Mbps to up to 100/20 Mbps4,5. This change is planned for implementation in early to mid-2024 and would apply to all Fixed Wireless Plus services across the nbn Fixed Wireless network footprint.

Continues on page 6

Boom town: Accenture research correlates faster, stronger nbn with greater regional workforce participation

The company is proposing to launch two additional fixed wireless wholesale high-speed tiers. Fixed Wireless Home Fast is planned to increase from a potential peak speed of 130/20Mbps to 250/20Mbps4,5 and it is estimated that this product will be available to around 90 per cent of the nbn fixed wireless coverage area.

Fixed Wireless Superfast would increase from a potential peak speed of 325/20Mbps to 400/40Mbps4,5 and it is estimated that this product will be available to around 80 per cent of the nbn fixed wireless coverage area. Subject to industry consultation, the company plans to start making these two enhanced speed tiers available from mid-2024.

In December 2023, the company also provided customers in regional and remote Australia access to uncapped internet data use6 with the launch of new nbn® Sky Muster® Plus Premium satellite plans.

From 2012 to 2022, during the rollout of the National Broadband Network, average download speeds across Australia have increased from 9 Mbps to 53 Mbps. Based on the company’s ongoing fixed line and fixed wireless network upgrades, and the anticipated uptake of higher speed tiers, Accenture has modelled that average wholesale download speeds across the nbn®

network will more than double by 2030, rising to more than 130 Mbps2, based on the nbn speed tiers currently in market.

Stephen Rue, Chief Executive Officer at NBN Co, said:

“Since Federation, Australia has faced an extreme paradox: our continent spans some 7.7 million square kilometres, yet more than 86 per cent of the population live in cities, mainly because that’s where the work and economic opportunities are most concentrated.

“But the nbn is changing the way we live, work, educate and recreate. The nbn has proven to be the great equaliser and the great enabler. It is delivering a paradigm shift in how we work, access education and essential

nbn-COMMERCIAL services such as healthcare and mental health support. It also has the power to unlock the great conundrum of the Lucky Country: a massive land mass that is, for the most part, sparsely populated.

“With population growth our cities are becoming more congested. But thanks to the ubiquity of fast, reliable broadband, we are starting to see a gradual decentralisation of our population and workforce as people search for, and achieve, a better lifestyle in regional Australia.”

Unpacking the ‘Right to Disconnect’

• the extent to which the employee is compensated to for working additional hours outside of the employee’s ordinary hours of work;

• the nature of the employee’s role and the employee’s level of responsibility;

• the employee’s personal circumstances (including family or caring responsibilities)

The ‘Right to Disconnect’ is the right for an employee to refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from their employer outside their working hours unless the refusal is unreasonable. This right extends to employee contact from third parties, should the contact, or attempted contact relate to their work.

Whether a refusal is unreasonable will take into account the following:

• the reason for the contact or attempted contact;

• how the contact or attempted contact is made and the level of disruption the contact or attempted contact causes the employee;

• the extent to which the employee is compensated to remain available to perform work during the period in which the contact or attempted contact is made; or

The right to disconnect will be workplace right, which means employers cannot take adverse action against the employee for exercising their right, not exercising the right, or to prevent them from exercising or not exercising their right. Adverse action includes dismissal and any actions that injure the employee in their employment, such as formal warnings and the reduction of shifts.

Importantly, employees do not need to exercise the right if they choose not to do so. To make a comparison against a similar employee right, employees recently gained the right to disclose their salary, but they were not then compelled to do so. They were not forced to disclosure their salaries to others and similarly, employees can’t be forced to not monitor, read or respond to contact if they choose to do so.

The right to disconnect will come into effect six months after the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes no. 2) Bill receives Royal Assent. For small businesses, the Right does not take effect for another 12 months after this (a total of 18 months.)

Unpacking the ‘Right to Disconnect’

Rights for employer

Both employers and employees will have the ability to have a dispute regarding the right to disconnect dealt with by the Fair Work Commission, including through arbitration.

Employers will have the right to seek an order that an employee monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee’s working hours where their refusal is found to be unreasonable. An order can be sought through the Fair Work Commission, who will consider the reasonableness of the refusal against the reasons listed above.

Employers will also have the right to apply to the Fair Work Commission if an employee lodges a dispute regarding the right to disconnect as being frivolous or vexatious.

Orders can also be made against the employer to not require an employee monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee’s working hours.

What can businesses do to prepare for the right to disconnect?

The first step all employers should take is:

• review whether an employee, or group of employees cannot reasonably refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from the business outside of their working hours.

• determine the circumstances where an employee cannot reasonably refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from the business outside of their working hours.

Importantly, it is unlikely many employees can reasonably refuse to take phone calls if they are in a management position and required to ensure a suitable level of labour to ensure business continuity – e.g. arrange for the replacement of shifts where an employee has called in sick for work after hours.

However, it may not be reasonable to expect an employee to monitor their phone or emails for the purpose of attending work to cover for the absence of another employee, if they are not ‘on-call’. The consequences for not being available may mean they aren’t offered that shift and the business may not call on them in the future if they are refusing to answer these calls, but the employer can’t take future shifts away from the employee on the basis that they didn’t answer.

Where an employee is:

• compensated to remain available to perform work during the period in which the contact or attempted contact is made; or

• compensated for working additional hours outside of the employee’s ordinary hours of work; or

• it is inherent to the nature of the employee’s role and the employee’s level of responsibility that they be expected to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from the business outside of their working hours, or

• two or more of the above apply,

• it is recommended this is captured in writing and agreed to by the employee.

The agreement should be captured in the employee’s employment contract in the first instance, but it could also be reasonably included in a position description or a relevant policy.

Where an employee could not be reasonably expected to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee’s working hours, this should also be address by the business. It is recommended systems and policies are put in place to avoid this occurring.

Generally, this will involve direction to those affected employees and their managers to:

• avoid monitoring, reading and responding to contact, or attempted contact outside of your normal working hours, if possible

• avoid sending communication outside of the intended receivers normal working hours, if possible

Managers may be expected to demonstrate best practice and lead the way for their peers and those under their management, but limiting their communications outside of hours to only those necessary.

Employers must follow orders to not require an employee to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from the employer outside of the employee’s working hours if they receive one. Failure to follow an order will likely result in civil penalties.

Digital Skills Hub

Digital Skills Hub opens a world of possibilities by giving you access to hundreds of training courses – from an Introduction to Digital Marketing to understanding SEO to Demystifying ChatGPT, and everything in between.

The courses are available to your employees too and can be undertaken at any time of the day that’s best for you, seven days a week. If you’re a Queensland business, all you need to do is register below to get started!

Click here to get Started

Business Chamber Queensland's ecoBiz is a free program for small to medium businesses. With the help of an ecoBiz expert, you will develop an action plan to help your business save money and increase efficiencies.

With more than 1000 businesses registered from all over Queensland, from small cafes and offices through to large manufacturing and processing facilities, 90% of businesses recorded an increase in productivity and savings.

Click here to read more about the program

Energy Efficient Action Toolkit

Adopting and increasing energy efficiency in your business is an important way to save money, reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and demonstrate to your customers, suppliers and markets that your business values sustainability.

Business Chamber Queensland's Energy Efficient Action Toolkit is a valuable resource to help you get started to become more energyefficient and sustainable. To learn more go here .

Torbanlea Train Manufacturing Update

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Extension of work duration: Ritchie Road upgrade As part of preparation works for the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility, the upgrade to Ritchie Road between the Hartley Street intersection and the train manufacturing facility site entrance is underway.

Due to weather conditions, works are estimated to take up to an additional two months to complete, weather and construction progress permitting.

Works will involve:

• undertaking pavement remediation works

• undertaking stormwater and drainage works

• constructing of an off-road shared user path

• undertaking asphalt works and line marking

• laying topsoil and turf

• installing street lighting and signage.

• Please see the map below for the work location.

Work hours

RoadTek will be undertaking the works. Works will take place Monday to Saturday, between 6am and 6pm each shift.

Work hours

During the works, access to Ritchie Road will be limited to local traffic only, with no pedestrian or cycling access permitted. Residents may experience intermittent minor impacts to property access, construction noise and low levels of vibration and dust. We are committed to minimising these impacts where possible.

Do you want to attract quality team members to your manufacturing business? Are you interested in diversifying your manufacturing workforce but not sure how? Have you tried but it’s been a challenge? Perhaps you just want to rethink your recruitment strategy?

Embracing diversity creates an inclusive and positive work environment that lessens bias and discrimination and enhances businesses reputation and brand value. By focusing on the attraction, retention and development of diverse talent, businesses can achieve greater innovation, creativity and problem solving to remain competitive now and into the future.

Image: Map of the Ritchie Road upgrade works area. Ritchie Road works will be undertaken within the road corridor, between the Ritchie Road and Hartley Street intersection and the construction vehicle access to the manufacturing facility site from Ritchie Road.

If you would like anymore information to this project update, please contact the QTMP project team on the contact details below. Stay up to date and find out more online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/trainmanufacturing Email qtmp@tmr.qld.gov.au Call 1800 271 176*

We invite you to join us for an informative webinar to increase diversity in the manufacturing workplace, where you will hear from diversity expert, Teagan Dowler from The BCW (Blue Collared Woman) on:

• the benefits of employing a diverse workforce

• common barriers and challenges

• tips and tricks on how to assess the current status of your organisation

• strategies for recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce

• where to turn for more assistance

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 6 March 2024 Time: 11am - 12pm

BUILDING CAPABILITY STATEMENTS THAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE

The Department of State Development and Infrastructure (DSDI) Fraser Coast Gympie Regional Office invites you to a practical and interactive in-person Capability Statement workshop on Wednesday March 13, designed to help your business stand out from the crowd and improve your chance of securing contracts.

This interactive workshop will help businesses develop and prepare effective capability statements, where you will learn:

• Why a capability statement is important

• How to use your capability statement to market your products or services

• How to use your capability statement to accompany tender submissions

• Best-practice fundamentals for developing and drafting a powerful capability statement

• How to access the latest information on Queensland’s supply chain opportunities

You’ll also hear from Queensland Hydro, for an update on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project and how to access supply chain opportunities.

The workshop will be held at the Gympie RSL, Mary St, Gympie.

Places are limited, so please register as soon as possible.

What is a capability statement?

A capability statement is a tool that allows procurement teams to assess your expertise and achievements, as well as your potential to deliver goods and services. It outlines the capabilities and skills of your business.

A capability statement is essential for applying for and securing tendering opportunities in government and private sector projects. They can also be uploaded to online databases and be used to support your finance applications.

Why attend a workshop?

Help your business stand out from the crowd and improve your chance of securing contracts by attending a Queensland Government hosted capability statement workshop. These interactive workshops help businesses develop and prepare effective capability statements. Our workshop will help you learn:

• Why a capability statement is important

• How to use your capability statement to market your product or service

• How to use your capability statement to accompany contract tender submissions

• Best-practice fundamentals for developing and drafting a powerful capability statement

• How to access the latest information on Queensland’s supply chain opportunities

You’ll also hear from Queensland Hydro, for an update on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project and how to access supply chain opportunities.

Workshop details

Date: Wednesday 13 March 2024

Time:9.00 am – 12.30 pm

Venue:

Poppies Room, Gympie RSL Club, 217 Mary St, Gympie (entry via Nash St entrance)

Cost:

$50.00 (incl. GST) MAX. 3 TICKETS PER BUSINESS

To Register click here

IR Reforms pass through the Senate - changes for casual and gig workers and the Right to Disconnect

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Senate passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes no. 2) Bill (‘IR reforms bill’) that changes the nature of casual employment, gives new rights to gig workers and all employees the right to disconnect from work outside of normal working hours.

Despite it passing the Senate yesterday, the Bill will now return to the Senate for one further amendment as it relates to the right to disconnect amendments. We understand this will be later in February.

After this occurs, the IR reforms bill will return to the House of Representatives to be passed. Once approved by both Houses, the Bill requires Royal Assent before passing into legislation. Should the Bill receive Royal Assent, some changes will have immediate effect while others will take effect over the next 12 months.

Prior to passing through the Senate, Business Chamber Queensland had been actively involved in shaping the Bill, with invaluable involvement from members, commenting on elements that pose the greatest risk to QLD businesses.

With the Bill likely to receive Royal Assent, we will assist members in their understanding of their Bill and assist them in preparing their business.

The Bill, as passed by the Senate has yet to be published, but it is understood amendments made immediately prior to passing include:

A prohibition on employers contacting employees outside of work hours unless that contact is reasonable.

Employees the right to refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact outside work hours from their employer or a third party, if that contact is work-related and unless that refusal is unreasonable.

Requiring the definition of employee-like workers (gig workers) to consider several criteria.

Clarifies that an employer can offer or refuse to offer work to a casual employee

Allows for fixed-term casual contract.

Removing the need for businesses to offer casual employees the chance to convert to permanent employment.

Allow employer to chance to not accept a casual employee’s notice to change to permanent employment on “fair and reasonable operational grounds”.

Additional timeframes for small businesses to prepare for some of the changes.

Update on February 15, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 was passed in the House of Representatives. This means the Bill has now passed both the Senate and the House, and is awaiting Royal Assent.

Royal Assent is expected next week, and with Royal Assent, this Bill becomes and Act, with amendments formally to take effect as scheduled.

With regard to right to disconnect, yesterday the Workplace Relations Minister, The Hon Tony Burke MP, introduced a further Bill, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment Bill, to remove the criminal penalties for breaches of a disconnect order of the Fair Work Commission. This was an expected Bill, and it is intended to have effect at the same time as the right to disconnect provisions – six months after Royal Assent.

Members will be advised once Royal Assent has occurred, and the timeframe for the various amendments taking effect.

As further details of the Bill become available, Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce will keep members informed.

NEW MEMBERSHIP BECOME A MEMBER

PACKAGES

CHOOSE FROM THREE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP

Businesses across Hervey Bay are united by a common goal to optimise their operations for success.

Delivering an extensive suite of member services, the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce is the driving force behind thriving local business.

As a member based organisation, the Chamber’s role is significant and its responsibility substantial. Our ongoing commitment to our membership is to your business journey and in this way collectively we support the economic development of the region.

The Chamber provides a range of benefits and outcomes as a part of your membership. Our aim is to support and add value to your business. These benefits and outcomes include advocacy, business development, and new knowledge. Just in case you’re not sure what that looks like, here’s a quick taster of what they are:-

BE HEARD

Give your business a powerful voice by being part of a group focussed on the growth of the local economy.

BE INSPIRED

Hear from monthly speakers from a diversity of sectors who will provide challenging, innovative and interesting presentations.

INCREASE YOUR EXPOSURE

Showcase your business via monthly breakfast event sponsorship and/or Business Hervey Bay events.

VIP MEMBERSHIP BECOME A MEMBER

BENEFITS

UNLIMITED GUESTS CAN ATTEND CHAMBER EVENTS AT THE MEMBER RATE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER

THE NOMINATED MEMBER IS ATTENDING THE EVENT.

50% OFF TICKET PRICE FOR CHAMBER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH EVENTS UNLIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE

50% DISCOUNT ON MARKETING CAMPAIGNS.

50% OFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING PACKAGE.

ONE FREE FULL-PAGE EDITORIAL IN BUSINESS MATTERS MAGAZINE PER MEMBERSHIP YEAR.

LOGO WITH LINK IN VIP SPONSORS BOX FOR EVERY ISSUE OF BUSINESS MATTERS

FEATURED AT THE TOP OF THE MEMBER’S DIRECTORY ON OUR WEBSITE

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR AT BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING EVENTS *

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR FOR THE FRASER COAST PULSE SURVEY *

DISCOUNTED RATE FOR EXHIBITOR BOOTHS FOR THE FRASER COAST VIRTUAL BUSINESS EXPO

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP BADGE

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE

ELIGIBILITY TO NOMINATE FOR THE HERVEY BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE

PRIMARY MEMBER HAS VOTING RIGHTS AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

OPPORTUNITIES

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP BECOME A MEMBER

BENEFITS

UP TO 10 GUESTS CAN ATTEND CHAMBER EVENTS AT THE MEMBER RATE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE NOMINATED MEMBER IS ATTENDING THE EVENT

50% OFF TICKET PRICE FOR CHAMBER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH EVENTS FOR UP TEN PEOPLE.

30% DISCOUNT ON MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

30% OFF ADVERTISING COSTS FOR THE BUSINESS MATTERS MAGAZINE

30% OFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING PACKAGE.

BENEFITS BENEFITS

LISTING IN THE MEMBERS

SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE

30% DISCOUNT ON WEB BANNER ADVERTISING ON OUR WEBSITE

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR AT BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING EVENTS. *

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR FOR THE FRASER COAST PULSE SURVEY. *

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP BADGE

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE

ELIGIBILITY TO NOMINATE FOR THE HERVEY BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE.

PRIMARY MEMBER HAS VOTING RIGHTS AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

DISCOUNTED RATE FOR EXHIBITOR BOOTHS FOR THE FRASER COAST VIRTUAL BUSINESS EXPO

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

OPPORTUNITIES

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP BECOME A MEMBER

BENEFITS

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AND ONE GUEST CAN ATTEND

CHAMBER EVENTS AT THE MEMBERS RATE

50% OFF TICKET PRICE FOR CHAMBER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH EVENTS FOR UP TO TWO PEOPLE

15% DISCOUNT ON MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

15% OFF ADVERTISING COSTS FOR THE BUSINESS MATTERS MAGAZINE

BENEFITS BENEFITS

LISTING IN THE MEMBERS

SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE

15% DISCOUNT ON WEB

BANNER ADVERTISING ON OUR WEBSITE

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR AT BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING EVENTS. *

OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR FOR THE FRASER COAST PULSE SURVEY. *

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP BADGE

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE

ELIGIBILITY TO NOMINATE FOR THE HERVEY BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE

VOTING RIGHT AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

15% OFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING PACKAGE.

DISCOUNTED RATE FOR EXHIBITOR BOOTHS FOR THE FRASER COAST VIRTUAL BUSINESS EXPO

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

OPPORTUNITIES

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

PACKAGES

BUSINESS MATTERS FRASER COAST

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING

Quarter Page Ad $250.00

Half Page Ad $450.00

Full Page Ad $600.00

DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Social Media

One post shared on our three channels posted twice.

$200.00

Ad booking is due by the 10th of each month.

Payment must be made by the due date on the invoice.

Discounts apply depending on Membership level Ad artwork can be designed for you for an extra charge.

Website Banner Banner on our home page linked to chosen website. $200.00

Email Marketing Campaign

One eDM sent twice to our database, over 1K contacts in database.

$300.00

If you would like to book any of the advertising opportunities, please email admin@herveybaychamber.com.au

Up & Coming Events in 2024

Save the Dates

Expresso Networking

Friday, 1st March, 2024 at Aquavue Beachfront Bar & Eatery 7am - 8am

Book your ticket

Register Here

6th March Breakfast

Register Here

Wednesday 6th March 2024 at Club House Hervey Bay 6:15am - 8:00am We

Business Hervey Bay Networking Drinks

Thursday 14th March, 2024 at Gallery 5 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Register Here

Our Events Gallery - Meet The Candidates

Wondering what stores accept the Fraser Coast Gift Card, you can check all the retailers by clicking the link below: https://www.whyleavetown.com/community/fraser-coast/

Want to know where you can buy a Fraser Coast Gift Card? Cards can be purchased ONLINE via the WLT website or from any of the Fraser Coast businesses (that we call “Load Up Stores”) listed below.

If you have larger orders of six or more cards then please use WLT’s BULK CARD ORDER FORM https://www.whyleavetown.com/bulk-card-orders

Hervey Bay

Battery World Hervey Bay

Frox Fashions – Eli Waters

Foodworks Hervey Bay Airport

Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre

Charity of the Month

Bayside Transformations Hervey Bay is located in Torquay, close to the beach and local shops. This location has been operating for over 10 years and is their largest campus, able to accommodate 25 men and 10 women.

There are four stages of the Program, and many key staff members have been through the Transformations Program. Both the men and women houses are set in tranquil locations surrounded by trees and nature with access to a pool. Once in stage one, Residents may sign out during their lunch break and free time and visit safe places such as the beach or shops.

What does the Program include?

Health Support through local GPs

You will see a GP shortly after you arrive, who will prepare a Care Plan with you

Case management

Our Case Managers will work collaboratively with you to set goals throughout and after the Program

Maryborough

Cockatoo Coffee

Maryborough Visitor Information Centre

Patchwork on Pallas

The Hospital Café & Takeaway

Fitness

There are various fitness activities included in your weekly timetable, such as beach walks, stretch classes & gym workouts

Individual counselling

Where appropriate, we will connect you with a counsellor, therapist or psychologist who specialise in trauma and addiction recovery

Group Therapy

Including Process Group, Feelings Group, Community Council and Reflections Group

Program Curriculum

We offer a specialised curriculum to help you through the recovery process (Optimal Healthy Living)

Work Therapy

You will learn life skills through participating in cleaning, cooking, yard work, shopping and basic organisational tasks.

Chamber Chat with Treasurer Michelle Maday

We sat down with our Treasurer Michelle Maday to ask her some questions to get to know her better?

How long have you been on the Chamber Committee?

Four years

What do you like about being involved with the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce?

This Chamber has a very active and diverse membership base across a range of industries with multiple events and activities each month to encourage businesses to connect with each other and also provides marketing opportunities on a level playing field. Additionally, the Chamber regularly organises speakers that provide relevant, local content of benefit to all of us on the Fraser Coast.

What is your favourite thing about the Fraser Coast?

I love everything about the Fraser Coast. The location, climate, diverse range of industries and geographies of the different divisions.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Gardening, exploring different places within the region, listening to music & playing pool.

What is your favourite motto?

You catch more flies with honey than vinegar

Where is your favourite place you have travelled?

Hard to pick just one! Probably Singapore, tied with Ko Samui.

If you where stranded on an island what three things would you have with you if you had a choice?

Coffee, (usually) my husband and our Aussie Bulldog

Keep a eye out for the Fraser Coast Pulse Survey Sponsored by Kingfisher Bay Resort

The Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey will be sent via email to your inbox in the next couple of weeks.

Your input as a business on the Fraser Coast is so important and key to moving forward as a region.

This is your chance to have your business voice heard and help us advocate to the local council and both State and Federal Governments on behalf of businesses across the Fraser Coast region.

Have your say and complete the Fraser Coast Business Pulse Survey and go in the draw to win a Gift Voucher from Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari (Fraser Island).

You could win!!

Adventures on Queensland’s #1 bucket list destination begin here, at Kingfisher Bay Resort - your base to Fraser Island’s spectacular locations! Explore the world’s largest sand island with its ancient rainforests and beautiful dune lakes or cruise to find humpback whales and dolphins on the waters of Great Sandy Strait. The island is waiting to be discovered. Paradise awaits!

As Fraser Island’s premiere eco accommodation, Kingfisher Bay Resort offers an immersive escape to suit all travel types, with hotel rooms, 2 & 3-bedroom villas and holiday houses. Guests have access to ranger-guided activities, island tours and cruises departing daily, plus an array of restaurants, bars and culinary experiences for travellers to enjoy.

Your holiday voucher includes:

• 2 Nights in a Resort Room at Kingfisher Bay Resort for 2 adults

• Daily Breakfast in the Sand and Wood Restaurant for 2 adults

• Return Passenger ferry for 2 adults

Thank you to Kingfisher Bay Resort for being our survey sponsor