Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - October 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

Express your interest in the Digital Growth Program for accommodation operators

Council voted this week to offer a free and targeted Digital Growth Program for the accommodation industry.

Return to Stage 2 Restrictions for Southern Gold Coast

The Queensland Government has advised that there will be a return to Stage 2 restrictions for 5 LGAs in Queensland for two weeks from 4pm today (Thursday).

Support extended for the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) Program

The Federal Government will continue to secure Australia’s economic recovery by expanding support to help apprentices finish their training - protecting the skills pipeline delivered under the government’s successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) program.

Top 10 tendering tips webinar

From planning your response to submitting your tender, this webinar will give you the top ten tips to tendering success.

$70 million in grants announced for tourism industry

The Federal and State Government have announced $70 million for tourism and hospitality grants as part of the $600 million Business Support Package. This is positive news that will strengthen support for Gold Coast’s 4,600 tourism businesses.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Celebrates Vaccination Milestone on Save the Koala Day

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is marking Save the Koala Day on September 24 by celebrating an important achievement. The Hospital has administered a lifesaving chlamydia vaccine to 135 Koalas that have been released back into the wild.

Exclusive round 2 of 'Play Money' for the border businesses

City of Gold Coast has announced that there will be a ‘Round 2’ of Play Money specifically for the border business community solely.

Current grants and support

Here is some information on relevant grants and business support services applicable to the Gold Coast tourism industry.

Current as at 21/09/21.

Latest Pulse Survey results show business confidence falling

Results from our recent Pulse Survey of Business Conditions indicate that the Queensland economy and business community are not out of the woods yet, with business confidence taking a dip for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began.

Cyber Health has launched

The Cyber Health program is powered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) and REDD Digital, and fully funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources. Content and resources are courtesy of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program

The $40 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program will provide one-off grants of up to $50,000 to eligible tourism and hospitality businesses facing significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions and interstate lockdowns.

Play Money rewards on offer to drive economic recovery

Gold Coasters are being urged to spread the local love by snapping up one of 60,000 vouchers to eat, play and enjoy first-hand the best the region has to offer.

Currumbin RSL launches The Sporting Den

The Currumbin RSL has just launched a new private and tucked away sports bar with a difference.

70% of Waste Diverted from Landfill as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Renews Sustainability Pledge

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has cemented its reputation as one of the country’s most environmentally friendly businesses, after successfully renewing its EcoTourism Accreditation.

Border zone support package announced

The Chamber joined with a number of very active locals to lobby for a more tailored and targeted response to the impact of the NSW/QLD border closure and the government listened.

Free small business financial counselling now available

The Federal and State Government is funding this service to support all small businesses.

Report out now - Domestic and Family Violence as a Workplace Issue

Two thirds of businesses could be vulnerable to impacts of domestic and family violence.

Currumbin RSL fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the first time

In the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledgement of Indigenous culture and residents in the community, Currumbin RSL is proud to fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the first time this week alongside the Australian Flag.

Local Jobs Program

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the Australian labour market. Together with longer term economic trends that are changing skill requirements in many jobs and occupations, there is urgency in assisting job seekers to navigate this change.

Heartbreaking new job figures for Gold Coast tourism industry

Concerning new research commissioned by the Tourism and Transport Forum shows tourism jobs have been cut by 20 per cent in 12 months - that’s one in five jobs in tourism across the Gold Coast.

Small Business Connect - August 2021 edition

Update includes information on current restrictions, regional round of business basics grants, support grants, and events.

Free mental health webinar | Learn what support is available for your business with Beyond Blue

Mental health is a significant issue right now, particularly for small business owners.

TEQ's 'Days Like This' campaign relaunches

TEQ's 'Days Like This' aspirational marketing campaign relaunched last weekend across the state.

Leverage TEQ's latest campaign by listing your best deal

Queensland's tourism businesses are encouraged to get involved in Tourism and Events Queensland's (TEQ) latest major tourism campaign - '20 Days of Holidays Like This' - by listing their best deal on Queensland.com.

Business Support Hub for border businesses

Small Businesses in Coolangatta now have access to face-to-face support and information, after the Palaszczuk Government launched a pop-up hub to help those operating along the border between Queensland and New South Wales.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - September 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

Safer Suburbs Awards

Do you know an active community member or organisation that makes our city a safer place to live? Give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a 2021 Safer Suburbs Award.

Border restrictions are here to stay - Will you survive until November?

If your businesses is one of the many that is feeling the impact of no staff, no customers or not being able to trade, then now is the time to start to plan how to mitigate the impacts. The Southern GC Chamber has been lobbying for the QLD Government to recognise the very localised impacts being felt by almost every small business in the border area one way or another, and to get some very targeted support for those businesses.

Buy Local, Play Local $3M campaign

The City of Gold Coast is investing $3 million into a ‘Play Money’ rewards program to support the city’s tourism, dining, retail, and arts/culture industries. The program will be facilitated by Destination Gold Coast.

Can you donate some time assist the Palm Beach/Currumbin Red Cross?

Palm Beach/Currumbin Red Cross is looking for someone to donate their time to help with auditing their books.

QLD Covid support grants have now opened for applications!

Further to the announcements last week, the Qld Covid Support Grants have now opened for applications. The good news is that these grants are now open to more businesses and also they are for larger amounts. This is as a result of the changes following the Federal Government's further support announced last Friday.

WSL announces that Snapper Rocks will host the WSL Challenger Series

In partnership with World Surf League, Major Events Gold Coast have announced that they've secured the Gold Coast to place host to the opening event of the WSL Challenger Series in a three-year deal, from 2022 – 2024.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - August 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

$600M package to help Queensland businesses

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached a 50/50 funding agreement that will see the value of the Queensland COVID-19 Business Support Grants rise from $260 million to $600 million.

New National Trust of Australia (Queensland) CEO Announced

After five years with the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), Jayme Cuttriss has been announced as the new CEO, based at the National Trust’s largest property, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

CCIQ Pulse Survey: The latest results are in!

Deteriorating business confidence on the Gold Coast is the lowest in the state, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s June quarter Pulse Survey shows.

COVID-19 business update from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld (CCIQ)

Support for COVID-impacted business announced: Rebates, refunds, tax relief and more!

COVID-19 Lockdown Business Support Grants

The Queensland Government has announced that $5,000 grants will be made available to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown (commenced Saturday 31 July 2021) and lockdowns in other states.

SWELL Sculpture Festival

QUEENSLAND’S LARGEST OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION IS BACK!

Register to apply for GCBF funding

Gambling Community Benefit Fund round 111 is now open and will close midnight 31 August 2021.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 consultation period has begun

There was a steady stream of residents at the community consultation session in Tugun with officers from Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) providing information.

Training Ombudsman to review apprentice experience

The Queensland Training Ombudsman will examine the support available for the state’s apprentices and trainees, with a special focus on removing barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated trades.

New committee to focus on Gold Coast jobs

The Gold Coast is to receive support from the Queensland Government to create jobs and grow local businesses and industries, with a dedicated Regional Jobs Committee coming to the area.

Freeman's Organic Farm the feature of short movie

The short film captures the farms past, present and future with Owner and General Manager, David Harold Gower Freeman.

Mask Wearing EXTENDED

Anyone who has been in City of Gold Coast in the last 14 days must continue to wear a face mask.

CHECK OUT Mayor Tom Tate's address to members

Did you miss our 'Post Budget Luncheon'? Check out Mayor Tom Tate's address to members here.

Southern Cross University’s Open Day is here.

This year our friends at Southern Cross University are running their Open Day for a whole month! You can also win an Open Day Scholarship worth $15,000.

Business Boost Grants Program - Opening 30 July 2021

Applications for the Business Boost Grants Program from the QLD Government will be opening on 30 July 2021.

More vouchers added to Gold Coast Holiday Dollars program

The Gold Coast Holiday Dollars campaign will be boosted this week, with a further 10,000 vouchers to be distributed to lucky recipients who missed out in the original draw.

Gold Coasters given sneak peek of designs for light rail beyond Burleigh

A detailed animation showing how a future light rail route beyond Burleigh might look has been released to coincide with the start of community consultation.

Currumbin Sanctuary launches a traditional yarning circle to celebrate NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an extra special occasion at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this year, as 2021 is the Year of Indigenous Tourism. To celebrate, the Sanctuary has unveiled its Yarning Circle. While it represents different things in different Cultures, to many it may demonstrate a commitment to supporting and acknowledging the connection and beauty of Australian cultures and philosophy.

CCIQ Quarterly Pulse Survey now open - Have you business voice heard!

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) quarterly Pulse Survey measures employment levels, turnover, business profitability and business confidence – information gathered is then used by the CCIQ to advocate to government with your business needs at the forefront.

Check In Qld app mandatory from 9 July for a range of businesses and venues

Under the current Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 21), it will become mandatory for a range of businesses, venues and other organisations to collect customer information through the Check In Qld app from this Friday 9 July.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is on Its Way

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government and the City of Gold Coast, is delivering old Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (GCLR3), extending the light rail network by 6.7 kilometres from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, linking communities to business centres, shopping, dining, education and medical facilities.

A four-phase plan to the new normal - National Cabinet's COVID Response

On Friday 2 July 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the National Cabinet have agreed to halve international arrivals and create a four-phase plan, aligned with vaccination targets (which are still to be determined by scientific modelling).

Changes to Payroll from 1 July 2021

Are you aware of changes that are applicable to payroll from the start of this new financial year? *

COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery package sent to every Queensland MP

Yesterday every Queensland MP was notified of the need for a COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery package to support businesses in lockdown.

Invitation to community groups to attend forum on QLD single-use plastics ban

As of 1st September 2021, Queensland will be introducing bans on certain single-use plastics, including plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, bowls, plates, and expanded polystyrene cups and containers.

New restrictions to take effect from 1am 29 June 2021

Restrictions in Queensland are being implemented for 11 South East Queensland local government areas from 1am on Tuesday 29 June 2021.

Nominations now open for the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards

The Australian of the Year Awards gives Queenslanders the opportunity to nominate individuals who show courage and inspire us to make our own contribution to a better Australia.

Titans and SEE Civil wearing beanies for brain cancer

The Gold Coast Titans and Chamber Gold Sponsor SEE Civil have both shown their support for the Mark Hughes Foundation ahead of the NRL's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.

Training to become a Justice of the Peace

Ever wanted to become a Justice of the Peace? Now is your chance. Gold Coast Branch Queensland Justices Association is offering a unique opportunity to attend a face to face 3 day training program for those aspiring to become Justices of the Peace.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - July 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

Eased restrictions, COVID Safe Industry Plans removed and new checklist for events

More businesses must use the Check In Qld app, including supermarkets, beauty and personal care services, leisure and recreation facilities including gyms, campsites, caravan parks, aquariums and zoos, public facing government services, higher education institutions, adult entertainment venues, hotels and other short-term residential businesses.

2021-22 State Budget

We're keen to hear from you about your reaction to the release of the State Budget announcement. Take a quick survey so we can continue to advocate for the issues that matter to you.

Fotoforce promo

Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce members are able to receive 10% off headshots through member business - Fotoforce Photography.

Business Accelerator Workshops

LVL Up Consulting, have two new business accelerator workshops that they are bringing to the Gold Coast business owners from July.

Gold Coast Holiday Dollars launch

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver 30,000 tourism vouchers to entice visitors to head to the Gold Coast as part of the next stage of Queensland’s successful Holiday Dollars program.

BUSY Ability invites you to the Launch of Employ-Ability 100 - Inclusion at Work

Did you know 1 in 5 people experience a disability in their lifetime, yet they are 30% less likely to be employed in work?

Member Spotlight: Lee's Environmental

They're proud to be an Australian owned and operated family business supplying liquid waste services since 1980. But there is something even more impressive about this new member.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Best of Qld Experiences results released

The It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar is enjoying one of its busiest months of the year, with around 30 events across May set to bring visitors to destinations all around the state to experience our events.

Origins of Success Luncheon

Tweed Seagulls RLFC has the pleasure of inviting the community together to join us for lunch which is to be held on Friday the 11th of June 12:30PM – 2:30PM.

SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM IS DRAWN NEXT WEEK!

Want solar for your house AND the ability to support local Young Veterans for potentially only $5?

NOMINATIONS OPEN - 2021 Australian Training Awards

It's time to highlight the hard work of our students, apprentices and trainees, as well as their teachers, trainers and employers.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - June 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

2021 Safe city survey

City of Gold Coast is seeking our community’s views on safety from 27 April to 17 May, with participants getting the chance to win one of 5 x $250 Eftpos vouchers.

Tourism showing signs of recovery

We have seen green shoots of recovery for Gold Coast’s tourism sector in the second quarter of 2021. The federal governments half-price flight program is proving to be very popular with hundreds of thousands choosing to holiday here over winter.

OneStepFurther are Here To Help!

Let the team assist you by filling the gap between JobKeeper and or check out the wage subsidies of up to 50%.

Member Spotlight: Burleigh Heads Dry Cleaners & Laundry

Having been a part of the Burleigh community since 1947, this business has remained within the family since 1999. A rarity in today's modern and fast-paced world.

MEMBERS 30 SECOND SURVEY

The chamber is striving to do better and be better for our members. Let us know how by completing this 30-second members-only survey.

Review of Qld’s industrial relations laws

Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a review of the state’s industrial relations laws, saying every worker should be safe from sexual harassment and bullying.

REMINDER: You MUST implement the Qld App for all hospitality based businesses

REMINDER: From 1 May 2021, all Queensland hospitality businesses must use the Check In Qld app when signing in patrons to their premises.

Gold Coast 2021/22 City Budget UPDATE

What should members expect from the coming 2021/22 city budget and the discussion surrounding the impending vote.

EOFY accounting has begun

As businesses begin focusing on EOFY accounting and developing next year’s budget during uncertain times, CCIQ's ecoBiz program is here to help.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

REGISTER HERE for QLD Check In COVID tracing app

From 1 May 2021, all Queensland hospitality businesses must use the Check In Qld app when signing in patrons to their premises.

Where is Jann Stuckey Now? | Member Spotlight

Building her communications consultancy firm, Serving as MP for Currumbin from 2004 to 2020, and serving as a Minister in Government; Jann Stuckey may have retired but she's still a proud life member of the SGC Chamber of Commerce.

Members Communications survey

The chamber is striving to do better and be better for our members. Let us know how by completing this 30-second members-only survey.

Leadership scholarships available for women in Australia

Women & Leadership Australia is currently offering professional development scholarships for the SGC staff and members. The scholarships are open to women across Australia, and we encourage our members to partake in this opportunity.

MBA’s Charity Golf Day

The MBA Partnership has partnered with the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation to support the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and raise money for a lifesaving piece of equipment they desperately need, the Kanmed Bed.

President's open invitation to the Mayor

President Hilary Jacobs has written to Mayor Tom Tate to invite him to speak with members directly following the City of Gold Coast Budget delivery 2021. Read her invitation here.

Gold Coast Beach Parade - MAY 16 2021

Working to set the World Record for the world's biggest beach parade & save our city’s koalas!

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Pulse Survey is now open

The March Quarter CCIQ Pulse Survey of Business Conditions is now open, and we need your voice.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - April 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

One Step Further is here to help YOU!

Not sure how? Contact the team to find out the ease of this process and if they can bring this support to your business regardless of size.

Currumbin Sanctuary see's opportunity in extension of the zoos and aquarium program

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary GM, Michael Kelly, welcomed Federal Members and Ministers as to show support for their national $1.2 billion tourism package and extension of the zoos and aquarium program by six months.

🏆 Two southern GC clubs and proud SGC Members take home gold! 🏆

Following a tough year, two SGC members have stood out as leading examples of how to adapt, change and push-on. Now Clubs Queensland have recognised them for their efforts and named them Clubs of the Year.

⚠️ HEAVY RAIN & FLOOD WARNINGS

With heavy rain happening around the Gold Coast the chamber wishes update its members on current warnings and necessary information.

2021 Gold Coast Careers Festival

Study Gold Coast are excited to announce that the 2021 Gold Coast Careers Festival is being held on Thursday to Saturday, 6-8 May 2021 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach.

Nominations for the 2021 Queensland Training Awards EXTENDED

Nominations for the 2021 Queensland Training Awards have been extended by one week, now closing midnight Sunday 28 March 2021.

🚧TRAFFIC ALERTS🚧

Fast-track construction of the light rail’s Burleigh Heads-to-the-southern border extension

Mayor Tom Tate used the recent SGC Chamber event to announce he wants to build the light rail to the airport as fast as possible.

10 Southern GC Women who #ChooseToChallenge

In honour of International Women's Day 2021, here is your list of Southern GC women who dared to #ChooseToChallenge and as an effect has shaped the Southern GC we know and love.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERTS 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - March 2021

Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital unveils new extension

More than $300,000 has been spent extending the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, after a record-breaking number of admissions last year.

Currumbin RSL ANZAC Day 2021 Update

As you may have heard with the recent announcements that attendance restrictions and additional requirements will be minimised based on the current environment for ANZAC Day 2021.

Queensland Government launches new check-in app for hospitality sector to stay COVIDSafe

The Queensland Government has released a new, free, check-in app making it much easier for the state’s hospitality businesses and their customers to stay COVIDSafe.

Member Spotlight: Black Diamond Modular Buildings

Black Diamond Australia is a leading provider of modular buildings, both in Australia and around the world.

Chamber member starts first of it's kind Rotary club

Rotary International District Governor, Andy Rajapakse, and Founder Club President, Zac Revere, are proud to commence a new styled action-oriented Rotary Club to be formed in Australia to focus on saving the iconic “Koala”.

HOSPITAL OPEN DAY! 🐨

On Saturday 27 February 2021, you will be personally escorted around the Hospital to learn about the medical care each animal receives. There will also be wildlife veterinary demonstrations, face painting, food stalls, giveaways and more!

Bold tourism ideas proposed for the Gold Coast that never happened

While many theme parks and novelties have been built in the past 60 years, there are plenty more that were proposed but never eventuated.

Queensland covid vaccine schedule

The Queensland Government has a plan to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to Queenslanders, working alongside the Australian Government. Check it out here.

Chamber speaks out on Facebook's news ban

President Hilary Jacobs released a statement on Thursday clearly condemning the actions of the tech giant. Read her statement here.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT 🚧

Check out the latest news on all things road works, local council investment and planning. Keep up to date with what happening in the local area and plan ahead for your small business.

Our Valued
Platinum + Gold Members

These members are highly valued for their contribution to the
Southern Gold Coast Chamber.

Fotoforce photography Rydges Gold Coast Airport LJ Hooker Commercial Southern Gold Coast Neumann Group ATCO STRUCTURES AND LOGISTICS Rachel Daphne Coaching Depth Financial Advice Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary SEE Civil Pty Ltd REM BRANDS Architectus Conrad Gargett Currumbin Constructions Group CMW Geosciences Employers Mutual Limited To Be Continued Southern Cross University The Surf Club Coolangatta GM Advisory Effective Workplace Solutions Lee's Environmental RBR Property Consultants Norths Collective Trading as Seagulls Club The Events Agency Currumbin RSL BG&E Pty Limited Cranfield Group The Pines Elanora Queensland Airports Limited