Current News

Recycling Victoria Infrastructure Fund – Materials (paper and cardboard, plastic, glass) grants
Funding is available for infrastructure projects (new infrastructure or upgrades) that: increase the capacity and capability of Victoria’s resource recovery sector and/or improve the quality of available materials for reprocessing and remanufacturing. Local government authorities are now eligible for this funding grant and so expressions of interest (EOIs) have been extended by four weeks, closing 8 May 2020. By extending the closing date of the EOI we are optimistic this will be beneficial to all stakeholders and the funding program.
Visit the Sustainability Victoria website for further information on eligibility and Registration of interest.

On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant Program VIC
The On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant Program provides farm businesses located in Wellington, East Gippsland, Millewa and the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District with funding to invest in on-farm drought preparedness and to seek business advice.  Up to $5K available. More information available

COVID-19 Quick Response Grant to facilitate businesses transitioning to online and e-commerce activities
The quick response business grants provide financial assistance to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19. The program is available to support businesses to develop their online and e-commerce capabilities to become more resilient in response to the impact of COVID-19. If you have a business that is located within the Greater Shepparton local government area, visit the Greater Shepparton Community Grants website for more information and further eligibility criteria...

Vic Government assistance for businesses in response to
COVID-19
$1.7 billion economic survival and jobs packages - see what's available for your business!!

COVID-19: Austrade- Support for Australian businesses
As part of ‘Team Australia’, Austrade is working closely with the network of government departments and industry agencies to help Australian businesses overcome complex and fast-evolving COVID-19–related challenges. This site provides updates on markets and logistics, and links through to the Government’s extensive business support programs. For more information, visit the Austrade website...

COVID-19 and the border
Updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Visit Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for updates...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers
This page covers the following topics: What is COVID-19?, What we recommend, Departing Australia, Coming home, Staying overseas and Cruise travel. Visit the Smart Traveller website for more information...

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On 8 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) made determinations varying 99 awards. The determinations inserted a temporary new schedule into these awards. The schedule provides employees with:
·         2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave
·         the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees.
The schedule in each award applies from an employee’s first full pay period on or after 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020. This end date can be extended by application to the Commission.

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information...

AUS-QUAL have issued Freshcare Industry advice-Coronavirus update with the purpose to clarify AUS-QUAL’s Position regarding Scheduling of audits in relation to COVID-19.

Download the AUS-QUAL Freshcare industry advice update here...

• A Co-operative Farming Hotline open during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) on 1300 665 174 (Available now)
• Farmers, fishers and foresters that want to find out more about co-operatives are encouraged to call the hotline to discuss their needs and receive advice on the resources available to support them.
• Mentoring from experienced Farm Co-op operators (Available from mid-2020) 
• Financial support through educational bursaries (Available from mid-2020) 
• An interactive educational website (Available from mid-2020) 

From mid-April, eligible individuals will be able to apply online through myGov to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020.
Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Visit the ATO website for more information + eligibility criteria...