Cessnock City Council are seeking help from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with strong connections to culture and community, to guide Council’s future.
Expressions of interest are open until 7 February to be part of this term of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
The Cessnock City Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee was established in 2013 and the Committee is formed and meets in accordance with the Council term.
The purpose of the Committee is to:
Gift cards are popular, but your business must follow key rules to avoid problems.
You must clearly state all conditions including:
Businesses cannot charge post-supply fees like activation or inactivity fees, and most gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry.
Gift cards are also covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL), ensuring consumers’ rights to remedies if the card doesn’t work. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to penalties.
For full details and to avoid mistakes, click here to learn more.
Efforts are under way to streamline liquor and planning approvals – for venues that require a Development Application (DA) and a Liquor Licence.
The Australian Government are seeking feedback from individuals who are either considering opening a new venue or expanding their existing one, in the process of applying for approvals, or have recently received their DA and/or Liquor Licence.
Sharing your experiences and insights is crucial to improve the current process, help identify opportunities for enhancement and make the process more efficient for future business owners.
Provide your feedback by completing the survey below by Friday 31 January 2025.
Sparrowly Group have created an Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Discussion Paper, highlighting the many ways, the Tourism Industry and those who work within it, can be more accessible.
Read the discussion paper here
New Food Safety Requirements for NSW Food Service, Caterers, and Related Retail Businesses
Starting 8 December 2023, businesses in NSW must comply with new food safety regulations under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Key Deadlines:
Standard 3.2.2A introduces 3 key tools:
If you already have an FSS, ensure all staff handling unpackaged, potentially hazardous food have the necessary food safety skills. High-risk businesses must demonstrate they are managing food safety risks.
Exemptions:
There is a quick quiz to identify the Food Safety Management Tools that apply to your business under the new Standard 3.2.2A.
Take it now here
Protect Your Cash Flow: Tips for Getting Paid on Time
Delayed payments can disrupt cash flow and operations, but proactive measures can help safeguard your business. Here are simple steps to secure timely payments and reduce financial risks:
Taking these steps can strengthen your cash flow and protect your business. For more help, contact the NSW Small Business Commissioner or review SOPA payment guidelines.
Find further detail on the above here
Learn how to identify tendering opportunities for your business.
The NSW Small Business Commission has launched a new course, Selling to the NSW Government, designed to help small businesses unlock opportunities in the government marketplace. With governments spending $3 of every $10 in Australia, they can be valuable customers—if you know how to meet their unique requirements.
In just 40 minutes, this course provides practical tips on getting your business ready, creating a Capability Statement, meeting compliance standards, and communicating effectively with government buyers. A certificate is issued upon completion, and it pairs perfectly with the Commission’s Selling to the NSW Government guide.
Click here to start the course and boost your government sales prospects today!
As the year winds down, small businesses should prepare for the festive season’s unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy period or planning to wind down, now is the time to ensure you’re ready for what’s ahead.
Key considerations include:
From budgeting for seasonal expenses to ensuring your website can handle increased traffic, taking proactive steps can make all the difference.
Don’t forget to review trading hours, holiday pay entitlements, and cybersecurity measures to protect your business during this critical time.
Click here for detailed tips and resources to help your business thrive this holiday season!
Embark on a magical quest this Christmas and help Rudolph find his mischievous reindeer friends before time runs out! Follow enchanting audio clues from Rudolph himself as you explore, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden surprises in your town.
Keep an eye out for posters displayed throughout either Cessnock or Kurri Kurri town centres.
Simply scan the QR code on the posters to listen to the clues online and start your adventure. As you find each of Rudolph’s friends, complete your game card for a chance to win a weekly hamper from Shop Hunter Valley!
Each week, two hampers are up for grabs — one for participants in the Cessnock Christmas Hunt and one for the Kurri Kurri Christmas Hunt.
Weekly winners will be announced every Monday at 10:00 am on Advance Greater Cessnock’s Facebook page, with the final prize draw on Monday, 30 December. Let the hunt begin!
Click here to start your Kurri Kurri adventure
Click here to start your Cessnock adventure