Southern Gold Coast
News

With International Women’s Day fast approaching on Friday, 8th March, we hope you can join what promises to be a fantastic day of networking as we celebrate the extraordinary contribution of women throughout our community.

City of Gold Coast is putting on sale $300,000 worth of vouchers for Gold Coasters to grab a deal at food & beverage, accommodation and retail businesses in areas impacted by the December and January storm events.

Rebates for energy efficient appliances and equipment are available now to help drive down electricity consumption and costs for small-to-medium Queensland businesses.

The Giving Day is an opportunity for our community to come together and support our hospital and amazing healthcare staff to provide exceptional healthcare services to those in need. They are seeking to fund critical projects, equipment and programs that will benefit our patients and their families. Your support of this very special day will make a significant impact in providing the best possible care to their patients.

Since 2009, the Youth Music Venture has been a youth music initiative run by amazing Volunteers, for the local community. They teach young musicians how to play in a band - for FREE! They have just launched their next program.

The Connections newsletter is designed to provide stakeholders with links and updates on information which is relevant to our region from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Next month the Commissioner will welcome seven councils into our Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Program. What does that mean for the small businesses in those regions, and what has been achieved by the 33 councils already on the journey?

The Queensland Government has released a ten-year plan to address workforce shortages which would see all Queenslanders who want to work, supported into good jobs. Read more here.

THE Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year finalists are in and new category 'Stars of Tourism' features 3 Southern Gold Coast business leaders out of the 4 in the category.

Your chance to help CCIQ identify the future trends in Queensland's workplaces.

The Connections newsletter is designed to provide stakeholders with links and updates on information which is relevant to our region from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

As part of Gold Coast Business Week, you are invited to participate in a Disaster Preparedness for Business forum.

Disasters, including severe weather events, cyclones, bushfires, pandemics or other natural hazard events can have a major impact on businesses.

Overall general business conditions in Queensland improved in the June quarter, new CCIQ data shows, but record high labour and operating costs have deteriorated businesses’ confidence in the economy. Read more here on the latest results from the CCIQ Pulse Survey.

Say Cheers to Dad this Father's Day at Currumbin RSL. Take dad to his favourite place!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was 1 of 11 businesses recognised at the South East Queensland 2022 Queensland Training Awards last week, taking out the region’s ‘Medium Employer of the Year’ title.

Chris ‘Choppy’ Close, Billy Moore, Greg Inglis, Trevor ‘The Axe’ Gillmeister, Kevin Campion and Preston Campbell will headline ‘The Lion’s Long Lunch’ will be held at Seagulls Club on August 5. Proceeds from the event will help support community links and the Tom Searle scholarship program.

The iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is turning 75 this year, and to celebrate the Sanctuary is holding a Gala Dinner at The Star Gold Coast to celebrate, along with raising vital funds for conservation programs.

Hospital Open Day is when the doors are opened to share the team's exceptional work to save our precious native wildlife. It's a fantastic opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's busiest wildlife hospitals!

The Wesley Mission Queensland COVID Recovery Border Community Service, funded by Queensland Health, is offering Queensland Border Community small business owners and their staff the chance to complete Mental Health First Aid Training online.

CCIQ want to understand what your business needs to scale and grow, including the most significant costs impacting your business and where you see growth opportunities in the future.

The City Economy team at The City of Gold Coast, are focusing on the business community in the Currumbin precinct and want some feedback.

The Connections newsletter is designed to provide stakeholders with links and updates on information which is relevant to our region from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

The Queensland Government has announced $39.1 million in the State Budget 2022–23 to support small businesses over the next four years to transition from recovery to growth. Read more here.

Currumbin RSL's annual Creekfest kicks off this weekend!

Find out about business restrictions, resources and support. Read about current business restrictions.; Find business health and safety resources including posters to encourage social distancing and good hygiene.; Use the COVID-19 business assistance finder tool to find out what support you may be eligible for.

Online mental health checks. Use Beyond Blue's anxiety and depression checklist to work out how your feelings may have changed. Based on your responses, you'll be given information and contacts to help you take the next step in seeking support.

Beyond toughness and skill, every single player that dons a jersey in the QRLW or the NRLW is filled with passion and pride in the legacy they are creating and who they represent. Chamber Gold Sponsor Seagulls invites you to celebrate their ‘Leaders In League’ Breakfast.

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) has appointed Travis Couch as the new General Manager of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Gold Coast business confidence in the future of Queensland and national economies increased more than any other region, with higher economic activity helping to drive employment levels and capital expenditure.

Recongnise excellence by entering yourself or someone else into one of the 11 categories for this year's National Retail Awards.

An update provided by the State Government for small businesses advising of opportunities, grants and awards.

Tomorrow is… your new career, your next promotion, finally starting your Masters.

Whatever you want for your tomorrow, start making it happen today at Southern Cross University.

Destination Gold Coast has launched an all-out advertising blitz to convert the pent-up demand for travel into Australia’s favourite holiday playground.

Ready to share your business knowledge and give back to your community? Carers Queensland’s Be Your Own Boss – Microbusiness Program aims to empower, educate and support people with disability to create or grow their own microbusiness.

The Economic Outlook report is designed to provide a brief, non-technical overview of the Gold Coast’s economic performance including post-COVID recovery and growth compared to the state and national level economies. The report is supplemented with short-term forecasts of the macroeconomic drivers of the Gold Coast economy.

Join CCIQ's webinar with Gilchrest Connell Principal, Mark Curran to learn about changes to contractor laws and what the implications are for drafting of contracting agreements.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced as part of Queensland Small Business Month (May) a $6.75 million package to support the mental health and wellness of small business owners.

Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) with the support of the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, announced it has secured one of the world's biggest and most spectacular airshows for the Gold Coast.

To celebrate 20 years of SWELL, for the first time ever they are offering exclusive experiences, beachside, at SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL.

The Connections updates is designed to provide stakeholders with links and updates on information which is relevant to our region.

These grants offer $5000 to eligible new or emerging businesses to improve their operations, such as upgrading websites, improving skills or adopting best practice.

CCIQ's March quarter Pulse survey is your chance to have your business voice heard and help us advocate to government on behalf of businesses across the state for better business conditions in Queensland.

The Gold Coast Film Festival will be holding free ‘Cooly Beachside Cinema’ over 2 nights in Queen Elizabeth Park (next to Cooly Surf Club).

Laura provides an update on what's been happening in politics along with an update on what has been happening in the electorate.

Join some networking with a twist, where you’ll meet other local small businesses, Karen Andrews Minister for Home Affairs / Federal Member for McPherson and, Laura Gerber MP Currumbin, in a fast-paced and structured networking setting.

Join 3 industry experts who will be giving businesses the tools, resources and confidence to elevate your business.

CCIQ want to understand how your business was directly or indirectly impacted from the recent natural disaster in Queensland.

Independent market research has revealed 63 per cent of residents surveyed support the proposed Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 down the Gold Coast Highway.

Legends of Surf 72 exhibition takes you on a wave of nostalgia following a phenomenal year of surfing events in 1972, celebrating the 50th anniversary of surfing and a celebration of the legendary 1972 Australian Team.

The Queensland Police Bowls club in partnership with Coolangatta Bowls & Recreation Club will be hosting the 62nd Australian Police Bowls Championships from 28 April to 5 May 2022 and is looking for support.

Laura provides an update on grants that have become available along with an update on what has been happening in the electorate.

After taking out the Queensland Award last year, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has walked away with silver in the best Major Tourism Attraction in the country at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards.

Is it time for some fresh new images? The team from Fotoforce are offering a 10% discount for Chamber members.

Two fantastic presentation were delivered by both the Gold Coast Airport and the City of Gold Coast. If you missed it or want to find out more, we have uploaded these for you.

Small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations in the defined disaster areas who were directly impacted by the recent South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 22 February - 7 March 2022 may now apply for Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants.

A range of support and information is available for businesses impacted by the recent rainfall and floods.

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training would like to connect with business owners impacted by recent rainfall and flooding to identify what help they need during this challenging time. It is important we can support them to recover and get back on track quickly.

Updated flood information for QLD based Property Council Members (at 1 March 2022)

A message of support and business resources.

Do you have newly graduated employees in your team? Or team members who are due to finish their studies in the next 6 months? If so, you might like to consider Study Gold Coast’s Kickstart Graduate Program.

Updates from the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

A radical new beachfront dining destination has opened on the Gold Coast marking a significant evolution for an iconic Kirra beachfront site.

City of Gold Coast wishes to recognise those people that are changing lives and our community for the better.

Join a free webinar on how to improve your chances of tendering success.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Pulse Survey data for the December 2021 quarter shows business confidence in the next 12 months fell 16.9 points to the lowest reading since the start of the COVID economic crisis in March 2020.

The Queensland government has announced that it will commit $100 million towards an aviation attraction package. This dollar figure will combine with an additional $100 million contributed by the state's four international airports.

The Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce kicks off the events calendar with a stellar line up of guest speakers including Laura Gerber MP, Alfred Slogrove and Professor Julie Jomeen for the first event on the 17th of February 2022.

NewAccess, developed by Beyond Blue, is a free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners and sole traders.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Queensland Training Awards – celebrating excellence in training and the transformative power of skills.

Now is the time for Queensland consumers and businesses to be depending on their communities and local supply chains for goods, services, stock and resources.

Updates from the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new experience, Extinction Trail, has been 100 million years in the making! A permanent, immersive outdoor adventure, Extinction Trail’s special effects and lifelike models will transport you to a time when dinosaurs and megafauna ruled the earth!

The Premier has announced that from 1am Saturday (15 Jan), Queensland’s domestic border restrictions are being lifted.

Businesses are invited to run a Business Clean Up event as part of Clean Up Australia Day again in 2022.

CCIQ’s December Pulse Survey is now open!

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.