Type of News

New COVID Support Package for small businesses

The NSW Government has announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions. The package includes grants of between $5000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, and an extension of the…

Financial Counsellor available for small businesses

Is your small business experiencing, or at risk of financial hardship due to the impact of the drought, bushfires, flood or COVID-19? Small business financial counselling is now available to businesses in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). The Australian Government have invested $12.7 million toward providing financial counselling for regional small businesses. The program…

More time to dine and discover the Hunter Valley

NSW residents have been given more time to take advantage of the Dine and Discover vouchers. The Dine & Discover initiative has been extended until 31 July 2021 to allow people more time to use all of their vouchers, which is perfect for the upcoming school holidays. Latest data shows more than 4.23 million people…

$10,000 grants available for community led disaster recovery

Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce grants of up to $10,000 are now up for grabs to assist with disaster recovery and building resilience. The Cessnock Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Grant will be open until 14 May 2021. Council’s Community Recovery Officer, Melissa Boucher said the grants are aimed at supporting communities overcome…

Bushfire Recovery stimulus continues to back business

Around a thousand local businesses are to be connected and workshops planned to help local businesses prepare for natural disasters following Cessnock City Council securing more funding under the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund. 10 business networking events and 15 Business Disaster Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Workshops will be held in various locations across…

Funding now available to reboot the Business events sector

$5.5 million is now available to business event organisers to host conferences, conventions, training courses, trade shows and exhibitions in regional NSW to give the state’s visitor economy a significant boost. The NSW Government’s Business Events Industry Support package – part of the $51.5 million Tourism Support Package – will turbocharge the state’s business events…

Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate

If you’re the owner of a small business, a sole trader or a not-for-profit organisation, you may be eligible for a rebate of $1500. The NSW Government is providing a new rebate to help small businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations with the cost of government fees and charges. The aim of the Small Business…

Recruitment and Industry Advice workshop a success!

Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development team and Training NSW was pleased with the success of their recent Recruitment and Industry Advice workshop. Held on 24 March, the business event featured four recruitment and industry experts including: Karla Notman, Federal Employment Facilitator for the Hunter Region Phillipa Hibbert, Director, Delivery and Employer Engagement Sue-Ellen Evans NSW…

Export assistance grants of up to $10,000 now available

Would you like financial assistance with export costs? Are you currently exporting or were you exporting prior to the impacts of COVID-19, bushfires or drought?  Do you have a minimum of three full time equivalent employees? Applications for the NSW Government Export Assistance Grants are open. The $10 million NSW Government Export Assistance Grants scheme…

Doing business with Council

Did you know the Cessnock City Council is a big customer when it comes to business?! We love buying locally, and to make doing business easier with Council we have produced a guide to take you through being a supplier. In an effort to take the confusion out of the procurement process the “Doing Business…

Cessnock City Council 2021 Mayoral Scholarship – Sponsorship Callout

Supporting our local economic future Cessnock City Council is seeking like-minded businesses to join us in our aim to grow and develop our people through supporting the Mayoral Scholarship Program. The Mayoral Scholarship Program is an initiative of Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent to assist local residents in achieving their educational goals. The objective of…

Implementing remote work successfully

The adoption of new virtual ways and the increase of a remote workforce has been fast tracked due to the current pandemic. While work will most likely never return to what it once was, it’s predicted that the future will be one that leverages the best of both virtual and face-to-face experiences. This has left…