RDASI Newsletter - June 2021
CEO Report
The last two weeks in NSW have seen our close neighbours thrown into Covid lockdown again, just as school holidays commenced. As I write this, we've now been notified that the Greater Sydney lockdown and the Regional NSW restrictions will continue for an additional week. This is devastating news for so many of our hospitality, tourism, accomodation, retail and adventure businesses throughout our region.
With the Winter school holidays being one of the biggest income producing few weeks of the year, I cannot begin to express how far reaching the effects will be. Think of the petrol stations, the pharmacies, the nannying businesses, the transport service providers, the local growers and producers. These are the businesses we don't immediately consider but will be equally as affected without tourism from Sydneysiders travelling into the Snowy Mountains, right through our stunning Southern Inland of NSW.
On June 21st, we held our first Board meeting with our new members. We have a completely refreshed Board who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to RDA-Southern Inland. If you'd like to read more about who they are and what expertise they bring, take a look at our website HERE.
I'd like to thank the outgoing Board members, Sue Whelan OAM, John Bell, Jenny Calkin and Mark Bradbury for their passion, time and dedication to RDASI. You were all instrumental in building the strong foundation RDASI has to further support economic development in our region.
From 15th to 17th June, our Chair Rowena Abbey, Deputy Chair Suzanne Gearing and I attended the RDA National Forum in Canberra where we were immersed in all things regional Australia for three days. The messages we left with were clear. Affordable housing, workforce development, infrastructure investment and health services are critical to improved liveability. You can read more about the RDA National Forum HERE.
Our thoughts are with everyone at this time and please be sure to apply for the State Government grants detailed below, being made available to tide you over.
Mandatory QR Code
From Monday 12 July 2021, the use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at additional workplaces and retail businesses. Businesses can find the application form and more information HERE.
Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant
The NSW Government has announced a new grant program for small businesses across NSW that have been impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions that commenced on 26 June 2021.
Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 will be available depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions.
Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant
The NSW Government has announced a new grant program for tourism or hospitality businesses across NSW that have been impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions that commenced on 26 June 2021.
Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 will be available depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions.
Dine & Discover NSW
Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers can now be used for takeaway from eligible and registered Dine businesses during the COVID-19 restriction period that commenced on 26 June 2021.
Delivery direct to the home by the restaurant or café is recommended. Food may be picked up from a venue but check-in with a QR code is required. Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers cannot be redeemed for takeaway using third-party delivery platforms.
The Dine & Discover NSW initiative has been extended until 31 August 2021 to allow people more time to use their vouchers.
Fee waivers for small business
The NSW Government has announced an optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021 and the deferral of hotel June quarter gaming machine tax, with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue able to provide for appropriate repayment arrangements on a case by case basis.
Funding for bushfire recovery and resilience projects in 2019–20 bushfire affected areas
The program will support a range of projects in eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by the 2019-20 bushfires to address community recovery and resilience needs.
Open date: 22 Jul 2021 10:00 AM AEST.
Close date: 02 Sep 2021 05:00 PM AEST.
What do you get?
Approximately $276 million available over three years from 2021–22 to 2023–24. For more information and to see if your project is eligible, click on the link below:
July Highlands, Goulburn & Yass Connect Cancelled
Sadly, due to the extension of Covid restrictions in Regional NSW we have made the decision to cancel the July Highlands and Goulburn Connect events. We'll be back with great speakers and lots of networking opportunities again in August.
Grant Assistance
Are you looking for grant opportunities for your business or community project? We can help you source and apply for funding through our fee-for-service initiative. Get in contact with us today at grants@rdasi.org.au.
