Latest News
CIRCO Circular Business Design Workshop
Following a successful launch in Victoria, the ACE Hub is expanding the CIRCO Circular Business Design Workshop across Australia. In 2024, teams from Officeworks, Coles, Reece, Bega, Eagle Lighting, Barwon Water, Godfrey Hirst, and Adorn joined the program. Now, businesses nationwide can access this proven training. CIRCO helps companies understand their value chain, identify lost […]
Cessnock Investment Prospectus
Cessnock is more than just the gateway to the Hunter Valley—it’s a prime location for business investment. With proximity to major transport routes, the Port of Newcastle, and Newcastle and Cessnock Airports, and backed by strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a rapidly growing economy, Cessnock offers seamless connectivity for businesses ready to expand. The […]
2025 Hunter Investment Prospectus
The Hunter Region of NSW boasts Australia’s largest regional economy, generating over $86 billion in gross regional product and supporting approximately 59,500 businesses. Home to one of Australia’s largest ports, a top 200 global university, and one of the country’s fastest-growing regional airports—serving over 1.2 million passengers annually—the Hunter is a thriving hub for business […]
NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, are an annual celebration of volunteering in NSW. The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program aimed at recognising the incredible dedication, effort and community service of our state’s volunteers, volunteer leaders and volunteer teams. All nominees must: Reside […]
Winding Down Wineries Waste
Go Circular is excited to launch ‘Winding Down Wineries Waste,’ a pioneering project to reduce food and organic waste in the Hunter Valley wine region. Funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, this project aims to create a replicable model for waste reduction that can be applied across wine regions throughout Australia. Partnering with key industry associations, local […]
Review the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
The independent review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is seeking more feedback! Your input will help: Ensure the ASBFEO continues to meet the needs of the small business community. Highlight what ASBFEO is doing well and where improvements can be made. Share your experience by taking a quick online survey. […]
School Student Broadband Initiative
The School Student Broadband Initiative is an Australian Government program that offers free nbn home internet until 30 June 2028 for up to 30,000 families and carers who look after school age children and do not have an active nbn connection. To qualify for the School Student Broadband Initiative, families and carers must: Have a […]
Diploma of Viticulture at Kurri Kurri
TAFE Kurri Kurri is now taking enrollments for a Diploma of Viticulture. The course begins 28 April, 2025 and will end on 9 April, 2027. This course may be fee free, or available at a reduced cost. Find more information here
International Women’s Day Giveaway
Advance Greater Cessnock is pleased to announce that to celebrate this International Women’s day Saturday 8 March, 2025, we have twelve copies of ‘Chill and Prosper’ to GIVEAWAY. To enter: Comment your own, or a deserving woman’s name on our Facebook post here Twelve (12) winners will win one (1) copy of the book ‘Chill […]
NSW Liquor Law Changes
From 1 March 2025, restaurants and small bars selling takeaway or home-delivered liquor must have a Takeaway Sales Authorisation (TSA). The current regulatory exemption ends on 28 February 2025. What This Means: Small Bars can sell limited liquor with a genuine takeaway meal or house-made cocktails in sealed containers (cocktails don’t require a meal). Restaurants […]
NSW Organisation Training Awards
Recognising Excellence in Vocational Education and Training The NSW Training Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of students, teachers, training organisations, and employers who excel in the vocational education and training sector. Hosted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education, these awards highlight excellence and dedication across the industry. A key goal […]
National Retail Roadshow
The National Retail Roadshow 2025 equips Australian retailers with the latest strategies, insights, and networking opportunities to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing retail landscape. Join for a half-day event focused on three key pillars: people, planet, and performance. What to Expect: Engaging Keynotes: Gain exclusive insights from top industry leaders and sponsors. Expert-Led […]
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
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 […]
Tips for businesses that offer or accept gift cards
Gift cards are popular, but your business must follow key rules to avoid problems. You must clearly state all conditions including: expiry dates whether the card can be topped up and any transaction limitations. Businesses cannot charge post-supply fees like activation or inactivity fees, and most gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry. Gift […]
Share your experience
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 […]
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Discussion Paper
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 Australian Food Standards
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: 8 December 2023: Most businesses must comply. 8 December 2024: School canteens, children's services, supermarkets, greengrocers, delis, coffee […]
Tips to get paid on time
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: Set clear payment terms: Use written contracts to outline payment schedules, including deposits, progress payments, and final […]
Winning Business
Expand your business opportunities with free training and resources designed to help you secure contracts and sell to the NSW Government. These courses provide essential tools, practical tips, and guidance tailored for small businesses, covering both private and public sector contracting. Choose from Winning Business to master the basics of pitching and contracting or Selling […]
Learn how to sell to Government
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 […]
Christmas and New Year Tips for Small Businesses
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: financial planning workforce management legal compliance digital readiness. From budgeting for […]
Storytowns Christmas Scavenger Hunt
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 […]
Small Business Tech Boost
Check if you can claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise your small business. Small businesses with an annual turnover under $50 million can claim a 20% bonus tax deduction on eligible technology expenses to support digital transformation. This applies to expenditures incurred between 7:30 pm AEDT on 29 March 2022 […]
Make a Business Continuity Plan
Prepare for the Unexpected: Build a Business Continuity Plan Every business needs a Business Continuity Plan. Disruptions and disasters can strike at any time, and preparation is crucial for survival. This guide walks you through the essential steps to create your own plan, complete with user-friendly templates and checklists tailored to your business needs. Your […]
Prepare your Small Business
Prepare Your Small Business for Bushfire Season As summer approaches, the NSW Small Business Commissioner urges business owners to prepare for bushfire risks. Commissioner Chris Lamont emphasizes the need for action: “This summer is predicted to be warm, with over 1,600 bush and grass fires reported since July 1. Even businesses in low-risk areas may […]
Understand the Retail Leases Act
Before entering a lease, check if the Retail Leases Act 1994 applies. This law sets clear requirements for lessors and lessees that you cannot waive, even if your agreement tries to exclude them. If you plan to sign a commercial lease that allows you to sell goods or services, understand the Retail Leases Act. It […]
Update your Holiday Hours
Prepare for the holiday season by updating your hours on Google. With the holidays just around the corner, visitor-focused businesses are encouraged to review and update their Google business listing to reflect any seasonal changes in operating hours. Keeping your hours accurate on Google helps ensure that customers can find reliable, up-to-date information, enhancing their […]
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