ATO announces changes to working from home deductions If you plan to claim work from home expenses in 2023, make sure you check out the new changes that have come into effect. The biggest change to note is that workers are now required to keep more detailed records when working from home. Between 1 July…

Hiring Junior Employees The retail and fast food sectors are some of the largest employers of junior employees in Australia. With so many beautiful cafes and boutique stores within our LGA there is ample opportunity for our Junior workers to gain experience. As an owner or manager, it is important to understand the extra requirements…

Applications to open for Council’s Mayoral Scholarship Program 2023 Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal is delighted to announce the 2023 Mayoral Scholarship Program will open to applicants on March 1, 2023. Now in its 21st year, the program has awarded 235 scholarships to the value of $588,000. The program aims to assist students of the…

Future Leaders 2023 Future Leaders is a professional and personal development program which creates a network of confident individuals who will contribute to the future success of the Australian Wine Community. Anyone who works in the Australian Wine and Grape Sector is welcome to apply for the program. The program is open to a broad…

Fee Free Diploma of Viticulture Enrollment is now open for the Diploma in Viticulture through Kurri Kurri Tafe. The nationally accredited Diploma in Viticulture gives you the skills to manage a vineyard from cuttings to grapes. Gain the skills to manage pests and diseases, water systems and soil quality on a producing vineyard. Learn the…

New mandatory safety standard for non-refillable helium cylinders Do you stock or sell non-refillable helium cylinders? There are new safety standards coming into effect on 16 April 2023. Those in the industry have three months to comply. It is stressed that businesses begin to review their product lines to ensure suppliers and manufacturers are implementing…

Young Australian Tourism Export Council Young ATEC’s vision is to enhance the Australian Tourism export industry by faciliItating the education and development of the industry’s future leaders. Becoming a Young ATEC member is the first step in developing strong professional relationships, building corporate knowledge of the tourism industry and enhancing management skills. The Young ATEC…

New Laws for Food Delivery Drivers The food delivery industry involves the ordering and delivery of food and drinks from restaurants, cafes, kitchens, service stations and other food providers, to members of the public by workers who transport food using a car, bicycle, motor scooter or motorbike. This industry sits within the rapidly growing gig…

Visitor Economy Grants set to boost local business Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the latest round of Visitor Economy Grants in an effort to boost local business through mid-week tourism. Organisations or individuals hoping to host events, projects and conferences in the Hunter Valley region are invited to apply for the Visitor Economy…

Innovate to Grow Program Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week program coordinated by CSIRO for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who want to progress their R&D opportunities, or are in the early decision-making stages about engaging in R&D. Applications are open for businesses in the mining or mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sectors….

Hunter Region Business Hub – Digital Solutions Program The Hunter Region Business Hub is a trusted, not for profit service which provides a range of business support. Advice is provided to new and existing micro, small and medium business clients. This includes practical assistance in business planning, advice on marketing, budgeting and cash flow. You…