RDASI Newsletter - May 2021
A message from the CEO
The month of May has flown by and seems to have ended as quickly as it started.
You may have seen that recently RDASI has been calling for applications from interested regional leaders to join our Board. We are now at the end of that process and will be able to make an official announcement very soon.
The second instalment of Food in the Capital was held last month and I was honoured to MC a section of the program on Successful Food operators. Congratulations must go to Michael, Suzanne and the team at RDAACT on the wonderful event that explored practical solutions to food production, transport, and sales. The level of interest in sustainable food and what might be possible in the Canberra Region was something fantastic to be a part of.
At the gala dinner I was lucky enough to sit with the ACT Minister for the Environment; Heritage; Homelessness and Housing Services; Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti where we discussed the importance of food security into our capital cities. We are so excited to see what the next instalment brings in June 2022 and very proud to be part of this collaboration with RDAACT.
I’d also like to congratulate the Snowy Monaro council on their partnership with Business Australia in establishing the Snowy Monaro Business and Recovery Hub. I popped down to Cooma after Food in the Capital to meet with the team and some of the other contributing stakeholders to discuss the myriad of ways we can contribute to the initiative.
Last Friday the Snowy Region Business Awards were held and RDASI was very pleased to sponsor the Freight and Logistics Prize. Congratulations to Perrins Mill, who won that award for the exceptional work they’ve been doing in that very important industry. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get down there to present the award myself, however we were well represented by Kristy McBain MP, who did the honours for us. You can view the event photo gallery here.
We know this year continues to be challenging for many regional businesses and communities and we’d like to support you in any way that we can. Please reach out if you need assistance, especially with visa’s, grants or advocacy.
2021-22 Budget
A Budget for business led economic recovery: The Federal Treasurer, The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP charted a fresh fiscal course, with an improved economic outlook, a relentless focus on jobs and clear support for business and sectors doing it tough. This year’s deficit will reach $161 billion - $52.7 lower than was predicted just 6 months ago. Read the breakdown.
Workforce Skills Survey
Across the State businesses are struggling to find the right staff; in the past year the complexity of the situation has intensified.To better understand what’s really happening Business NSW is asking for contributions to their flagship Workforce Skills Survey. Your input helps advocate for the improvements needed to turn this crisis around for businesses in NSW.
JobTrainer Fee-Free Courses
JobTrainer provides job seekers with low cost and fee-free* courses to help you develop new skills.
TAFE NSW fee-free* JobTrainer short courses (Statement of Attainment – SOA) are open for enrolment, as well as exciting new courses being added all the time, you can enrol now and upskill faster. Browse the fee-free options
Start planning for EOFY Tax
HLB Mann Judd Sydney tax partner Peter Bembrick said the economic uncertainty of the 2020–21 financial year should motivate SMEs to review tax planning strategies now — not at the last minute. Read the full article.
Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
To help you recover from the impacts of COVID-19, if you are a small businesses, a sole trader or not-for-profit organisation, you can apply to be reimbursed for NSW and local government fees and charges related to the cost of doing business. Click here for more info.
