Type of News

Breaking down the barriers to job growth and economic recovery

Motivated to break down the barriers to job growth and support our economic recovery the Australian Government announced on 9 December 2020 the Industrial Relations Reforms. The reforms were developed after extensive consultation involving the Government and employer and employee groups to find solutions that will support struggling businesses, as well as protect and enhance…

New Consumer Travel Support Program

Update: Grants have now closed Applications are now open for travel agents and tour arrangement service providers impacted by COVID-19 to apply for a one-off payment. The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program provides a one-off grant to help travel agents and tour arrangement service providers stay viable. The funding is being offered to assist businesses…

Widen your horizons with grants galore

For many, finding suitable grants can be a difficult task, however knowing where to look and who to talk to makes it that much easier! Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development Unit are here to support you and your business to provide information on opportunities available to help your business grow and succeed. Grants are designed…

See it for your-selfie, Hunter Valley Selfie Trail

With school holidays upon us, why not explore your own back yard, along the Hunter Valley Selfie Trail. Navigating the Hunter Valley region has become even easier, with the introduction of a new self-guided tour. The Hunter Valley Selfie Trail is a Cessnock City Council initiative which has been funded by the Australian Government as…

New website to combat anxiety for small business owners

A new website has been launched in response to a survey that shows running a small business causes anxiety and depression for more than half of small business owners. My Business Health is a web portal that supports entrepreneurs experiencing mental health issues as a result of their concerns about their business. A MYOB report…

Small and medium-sized enterprises welcome 30-day Payment Bill

The Federal Government has introduced legislation requiring big businesses to be transparent about their payment times to the small business suppliers. The Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman (ASBFEO) announced a review into the impact of supply chain financing on the small business and family sector in October 2019. The review looked at specific industry…

2020-21 Budget, small business wins

The Federal Government’s 2020-21 Budget is one for the history books, following the Treasury’s announcement on Tuesday 6 October 2020. The Budget details a record spend that will help lift small businesses out of the COVID crisis and provide a much-needed boost to economic confidence. Given the number of measures that target the small business…

New Destination Networks to grow regional visitor economy

The NSW Government has announced changes to the state’s Destination Networks to grow the regional visitor economy. The NSW Government is committed to growing the visitor economy of regional NSW with the right framework in place to support visitor growth, job creation, skills development and stakeholder engagement. The changes will give the Networks a stronger…

Shop local Christmas campaign, share your experience and win!

Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development Team have another fantastic prize to give away this December as part of their ongoing ‘Support Local’ social media campaign. Throughout December, residents can go in the draw to win a $500 gift card by posting in 25 words or less what their favourite activity is to do in the…

Shop local, shop online, Shop Hunter Valley!

The team at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre have been busy during the Covid-19 lockdown period re-branding their gift shop to Shop Hunter Valley. Shop Hunter Valley is a premier destination store located at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre showcasing the best local products and produce the region has to offer. In addition…

Future of Work Program, funding for study

Looking to build your skills and prepare for the future of work? Apply to the Future of Work Program for the opportunity to have your student contribution fees covered. The Future of Work Program is an initiative created by BHP and the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment to promote educational opportunities in regional…

e-Commerce Strategy Development Workshop Series

For NSW businesses, selling online gives access to new customers and markets without many of the challenges, risks and expenses of establishing a physical presence. To harness the opportunity to export products or services, businesses need to develop a strategy to improve their e-commerce and online sales channels. NSW businesses are invited to participate in…