Type of News

Wollombi, Pokolbin & Broke Fordwich represent our region

The Hunter Valley region was well represented at the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards with Wollombi, Pokolbin and Broke Fordwich all named as finalist of the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards for 2021. It comes as no surprise, as the Hunter Valley is home to so many amazing tourism operators who provide first class experiences,…

Fee for mediating business disputes decreased

Fee for mediating business disputes decreased The NSW Small Business Commission has slashed the cost of its mediation service by almost half to help more businesses resolve disputes over leases and other business issues quickly and efficiently. From 1 August 2022, the cost of mediation for each party to a dispute has been reduced from…

Have you heard of least cost routing? It could save you money!

Have you heard of least cost routing? It could save you money! The NSW Small Business Commissioner conducted a survey which revealed that over half of small businesses were unaware of least cost routing. Most debit cards within Australia are able to process transactions through either Eftpos, Visa or Mastercard, with all options having different…

Changes announced for liquor laws

The NSW Government has announced changes will be implemented across a range of NSW’s liquor laws. The announcement came after key recommendations from the Joint Select Committee’s report on Sydney’s night time economy and modifications to NSW’s liquor laws were supported by the NSW Government late last year. According to the Cessnock City Liquor Accord…

October is cyber security awareness month

Cybercrime is described as a dishonest or criminal activity conducted online or by phone. It can include deceptive conduct such as malicious software or viruses, scams by phone or online, fake over-payments, fake invoicing, hacking your business to obtain business or customer details or access your supplier’s computer network. To help businesses better understand the…

Cessnock Jobs Forum focuses on future success

On Tuesday 12th October, the Economic Development Team hosted their latest Cessnock City Jobs Forum online bringing together key players in employment, education, skills and training, and job active providers. Job Active Survey data was shared by Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development Officer, Alena Pople, highlighting the issues the industry is facing in filling available…

EOFY – Keeping it together!

The end of financial year is fast approaching. End of financial year doesn’t just mean ensuring the books are in order, tax returns and planning for the new financial year ahead. Here is our small business checklist to get you through end of financial year. Keep it Together! Make sure your documents are organised, and…

Guide to Mediation

Guide to mediation The NSW Small Business Commission has released a new guide on its mediation service and how it can help resolve business disputes, potentially avoiding the time and expense of going to a court or tribunal. Getting into a dispute can, at times, be an unavoidable part of running a business, whether it…

Register for a shorter domain name

Businesses can register for a new shorter ‘.au’ domain name which matches existing businesses website domains. Instead of mybusiness.com.au, for example, the same business can now register “mybusiness.au” Registrations will close on 20 September, 2022. Applications can be submitted to current domain name registrars or via participating auDA accredited registrars, auDA said that websites with…

Hunter Innovation Festival is back!

The Hunter Innovation Festival is back for 2021, kicking off on Monday 3rd of May, until Sunday the 16th, with this year’s festival theme ‘Innovate to Regenerate.’ Made up of more than 40 events, the festival aims to connect, inspire, educate and promote a culture of innovation throughout the Hunter. The events will range from…

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…