Southern Gold Coast
News

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has won Queensland’s most prestigious tourism accolade, named Best Major Tourist Attraction at last Friday nights Queensland Tourism Awards.

Gold Coast Icon Honeyworld has been renovated and reopened with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Need more detail on how the COVID-19 vaccination impacts your business?

See CCIQ's and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's COVID-19 vaccination and the workplace employer guide (August 2021).

Do you struggle with Digital Marketing? Need to get online but not sure where to start?

With a simple guide to the world of digital marketing, let Sarah Davis from Business Station show you how to reach your ideal customer organically (free). From free tools like Google My Business, to social media and online selling, Sarah will show you what you need and what you don’t need!

It's November already and apparently that seems to be the perfect time to implement a range of changes from the ATO, ASIC and other Government bodies.

Crowley Calvert & Holmes Chartered Accountants have compiled a shortlist of the most important below to keep you on top of everything being introduced before the Christmas break.

The Gold Coast Manufacturing Hub are about to open a round ($2.5m) of grants for local SME operators, designed to help them adapt and adopt new technologies in their manufacturing process.

Currumbin RSL has teamed up with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and created 'Clean Up Currumbin Day' to help Clean Up Currumbin on Sunday the 21st November from 9am.

These new social measures will come into place on 17 December 2021 or when Queensland reaches 80% double vaccinated status.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is calling on accomplished and amateur gift wrappers alike to donate their hands and hearts this festive season to raise funds for animals in need.

Christmas business confidence missing traditional festive cheer!

Are you a part of a Gold Coast community group? Community organisations including sporting clubs, are the heart and soul of our city, and City of Gold Coast’s new online hub is a one-stop-shop of free information and resources.

Support businesses in the border region and get $50 off* retail, dining, services and experiences, and $100 off* accommodation.

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

Find out about the latest from the Queensland Government through this update as part of the Unity & Recover program.

A group based in South-East Queensland has set up a formal petition with the Queensland Parliament to promote daylight savings for the region.

One of the Gold Coast's most iconic attractions has received major Federal Government funding to support the construction of an exciting new exhibit, designed to attract international visitors.

In welcomed news for the Gold Coast, the Queensland Government yesterday (18 October) released Queensland's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan outlining key milestones for borders to re-open to interstate hotspots. Travel restrictions will ease when 70% and 80% of eligible Queenslanders are fully vaccinated.

Creative Tourism Grants support projects underpinned by the work of professional artists – their ideas, platforms and/or products. Projects must show they will have a reasonable tourism impact. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to Gold Coast based organisations.

Following the enormous success of the SummerSalt concert series across Australia over past summer seasons, Zaccaria Concerts & Touring are thrilled to continue announcing the next season of SummerSalt concert events around Australia in 2022.

Enter Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s lair after dark and enjoy three spook-tacular nights of Halloween family fun…if you dare!

Discover how to turn your waste into a valuable resource, save money for your business and reduce your environmental impact.

CCIQ’s September Pulse Survey is now open!

It’s Indigenous Business Month and we want to help more First Nations owned businesses reap the benefits of the Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program, which has successfully mentored Queensland businesses of all industries and sizes for nearly 20 years.

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

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

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).

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

Current as at 21/09/21.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Last week our Chamber's board members completed a half day strategy meeting on the year ahead for Southern Gold Coast businesses.

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training wants to keep you informed of the latest assistance from the Queensland and Australian Governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local groups are invited to develop their skills through a range of free, online workshops.

Currumbin RSL has relaunched with a newly redeveloped sports bar – dubbed “a destination inside a destination”.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can step up conservation efforts for two rare and critically endangered Australian animals, thanks to a huge funding boost from the Federal Government.