Department of Employment, Small Business and Training connections update

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.

August Edition

Welcome to the August 2022 edition of the South East Region DESBT Connections.

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

In August, Queensland celebrated Multicultural Queensland Month. Our communities thrive when we all work together to ensure everyone can connect, contribute and belong.

This month saw the release of the Queensland government's response to the Treaty Advancement Committee Report as part of the state's Path to Treaty. See more details below.

In September, our regional Queensland Training Awards (QTA) category winners will attend the State QTA finals in Brisbane. See below for more information about these awards and how you and your networks can get involved in 2023.


Feel free to forward this newsletter to your networks.

Kym Hudson

Acting Regional Director, South East Region

Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

P: 1800 210 210 E: southtraining@desbt.qld.gov.au W: desbt.qld.gov.au

Queensland Training Awards - State Finals

Celebrating VET System in Queensland

Congratulations to the finalists and winners of individual, employer and community organisation categories in the South East Region Queensland Training Awards. The winners of each category will represent our region at the State awards in Brisbane on 17 September. Keep up to date with their progress by following Skills for Queensland on Facebook.

The Queensland Training Awards returns to the stage this September to shine a spotlight on the state's best and brightest in vocational education and training (VET).

Purchase your ticket now for the 2022 State Gala Dinner to pay tribute to state finalists and announce state winners.
Date: Saturday 17 September 2022
Time: 6pm (7pm start)
Location: Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane

If you would like to know more about entering as a nominee in 2023 or supporting your local region as a sponsor go to our South East Region Queensland Training Awards page

 

Gold Coast Business Week 29 August - 2 September 2022

Image

About Gold Coast Business Week

Are you looking to learn about emerging trends and the economic trajectory of the Gold Coast?

Gold Coast Business Week 2022 connects leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs across the Gold Coast and globally, post COVID-19 to educate on developing technologies, innovation opportunities, and services to grow businesses.

Celebrate the diverse economy, entrepreneurial culture, lifestyle, and high calibre of talent that the Gold Coast has to offer.

If you would like more information, please email businessgc@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

City Of Gold Coast Calendar of Events

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman information session

Small Business Telecommunications Complaints

This 45-minute information session explores the purpose and scope of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and how we can help you and your clients with telco complaints affecting their small businesses.

Presented by two members of our dispute resolution team, the webinar will discuss the role of the TIO, the dispute resolution process for small business complaints and common trends in small business complaints.

We welcome any questions from attendees; contact us directly at outreach@tio.com.au.

11.00am Thursday 1 September 2022

Register for Zoom Meeting

Path to Treaty

Image


The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to progressing treaty and Queenslanders are being asked to show support as we become treaty ready!

The next phase of progressing treaty provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, customs and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through truth telling, healing and reconciliation activities.

You have the opportunity to promote the Path to Treaty activities with your stakeholders, and digital media channels using the information supplied in the Advocate Pack.

  • Follow Deadly Stories Facebook– participate in conversations and reshare multimedia content to support truth telling, healing and reconciliation.
  • Connect on Deadly Stories Instagram– get involved and encourage your local community groups to share what treaty means to them using the hashtag #QLDTreaty.
  • Visit DSDSATSIP LinkedIn– reshare posts about Queensland’s Path to Treaty.
  • Subscribe to receive the Treaty News – stay connected and updated on the Path to Treaty reform agenda.

Should you have any questions about these materials, please email treaty@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au

We would like to respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this country and recognise their connection to the land, water and community. I also pay my respects to the Elders both past, present and emerging.

For more information about Path to Treaty

Queensland’s small and medium-sized businesses are set for a $300 million boost as the Queensland Government lifts the Buy Queensland small and medium business procurement target from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, to maximise on the 20-year pipeline of Olympic opportunities.

Businesses can register their interest in supplying the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games here: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/marketing-sales/tendering/supply-queensland-government/olympic-games

Find out more about supporting Queensland food and beverages

Back to Work Micro-Credential Courses

Image

Short micro-credential courses available to support employers to recruit and retain their employees. Available to all small businesses regardless of location.

Back to Work has developed a range of short courses in partnership with TAFE Queensland to provide additional skills and build confidence for small business employers to encourage retention of their employees.

Course One - Effective workplace leadership
Course Two - Workplace resilience and wellbeing
Course Three - Recruitment for small business
Course Four - Communicating effectively with people with disability
Course Five - Cultural inclusiveness: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace
Course Six - Cultural responsiveness: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the workplace

Enrol in Back to Work Short Courses

Awesome Women in Constructions (AWIC) Annual Awards

Image

 

Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) are excited to be holding their first annual awards on Friday 7th October 2022.

These awards will provide the platform for all AWESOME Women in Construction to be recognised for the contribution they make to this industry EVERY SINGLE DAY.

While it is a celebration of awesome women, we also want to acknowledge the men and businesses who not only support but advocate for women in construction.

Friday 7 October 2022 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cloudland, 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

 

Book your AWIC Awards  tickets

ecoBiz - save money and increase efficiency

Image

CCIQ’s ecoBiz is a free program for small to medium businesses. With the help of an ecoBiz expert, you will develop an action plan to help your business save money and increase efficiencies.

ecoBiz is funded by the Queensland Government to help Queensland businesses audit their resource use and reduce costs from waste, water, and energy bills.

With more than 1000 businesses registered from all over Queensland, from small cafes and offices through to large manufacturing and processing facilities, 90% of businesses recorded an increase in productivity and savings. Read their stories on the ecoBiz website.

How ecoBiz can save you money
After a free two-hour coaching session with a sustainability expert, businesses receive a written report with practical and tangible solutions to reduce their energy, water and waste, which are often no or low cost to implement. 

Become a Star Partner
ecoBiz Star Partners have improved their water, waste and energy efficiencies by at least 10% within a year of joining the program.

Register for ecoBiz

Business Investment Fund (BIF)

The Business Investment Fund (BIF) has been created to support established small and medium businesses innovate, realise their potential, and promote job creation in Queensland. The BIF is partnering with growing Queensland companies to take the next big step in their business, create strong investment returns, and support the future of the Queensland economy.

The BIF forms part of the Backing Queensland Business Investment Fund (BQBIF), which was announced as part of the Queensland State Government’s COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review. The BQBIF is dedicated to making direct investment in Queensland business and industry and is managed by QIC. QIC Website

Check criteria, process and FAQ

Matching jobs and training to jobseekers and career seekers - Free for both exhibitors and attendees

8 September 2022 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Logan Metro Sports and Entertainment Centre, located on 357 Browns Plains Road, Heritage Park

If you are looking for opportunities in certified trades or construction, whether it is as a currently skilled worker; or looking for information on training and further education pathways to get you job-ready, this is the event for you.

The purpose of the Tradie and Construction Jobs Expo is to connect employers, RTO’s and peak bodies with job-ready and job-willing individuals.

The event will be an opportunity for providers to showcase their training opportunities targeted at those wanting to get a trade certificate in automotive, construction, civil or wet trade.

The event will also provide local businesses the opportunity to attract and recruit potential employees.

This event is delivered as part of the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce. Hosted by Logan Office of Economic Development / Logan City Council.

Register to attend Logan's Tradie and Construction Jobs Expo

GIVIT - Queensland Small Business Hardship Appeal

We know it's tough for any business to keep trading without the equipment or resources they need. COVID, floods, bushfires and disruptions of various kinds take a toll on so many small business owners. Equipment has become harder to replace due to increased costs, scarcity of supply or longer than usual lead times.

GIVIT is a practical and smart way to help small businesses in hardship to repair or replace equipment or facilities essential to getting restarted. We're calling on big-hearted business and community to support local businesses in need.

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) is working with GIVIT on this appeal.

 

GIVIT Together

Skilling Queenslanders for Work

The Queensland Government has announced $320 million over 4 years, with $80 million each year ongoing, to continue the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The initiative will assist up to 15,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain skills, qualifications and experience to enter and stay in the workforce.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds training and support for unemployed or underemployed people, with a focus on young people (including those in and transitioned from out-of-home care), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature-age jobseekers, women re-entering the workforce, veterans and ex-service personnel, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Round 2 2022- 2023 Skilling Queenslanders for Work grants close 22 September 2022

Skilling Queenslanders for Work application

CCIQ Pulse Survey

Image

CCIQ Pulse is the largest survey of Queensland businesses, providing critical insights into the sentiment of business owners and managers across the state.

CCIQ's June quarter Pulse Report data shows while general business conditions improved largely as a consequence of stronger sales and revenue, operating and labour costs reached new record highs and profitability remained weak.

June Pulse Report

Disaster preparedness - Learnings from the 2022 floods

Image

The rolling 2022 flood emergencies in Queensland put pressure on services as they sought to best support their communities.

Register for the webinar below:
Tuesday, 30 August from 1:00pm to 2:00pm

This webinar will assist the sector to respond to ongoing challenges associated with the 2022 floods and other emergencies and focus on how the community services sector can prepare their team, community, service users and clients for climate-related disasters.

We will hear from guest speakers within the sector who will share their learnings from the recent Queensland floods, in particular:

  • utilising social media during a disaster emergency;
  • Business Continuity Plans; and
  • Person-centred Emergency Preparedness (PCEP) for people with a disability.

The event will feature a live Q&A.

Register for Webinar

Community Governance Workshop

Community Governance Workshop to help improve your organisation’s governance capability.

Governance for charities and non-profits has evolved over the last 10 years, and continues to transform.

This workshop will give you the tools, knowledge and actions needed to improve board effectiveness and help better decision making.

During the 2.5 hour session you will discover a best practice framework for governance, perform a checklist on your organisation and make a start on an action plan for improvement.

Wednesday 5 October 2022
9:30 am – 12:00 pm AEST
Springwood Community Centre
55 Cinderella Drive, Springwood

Register for Community Governance Workshop

Tendering Top Ten Tips Webinar

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, SEQ South Office in conjunction with the City of Gold Coast is hosting a Tendering Top Ten Tips Webinarto provide the top key tips to help your business maximise your chances of tendering success as part of Gold Coast Business Week (GCBW) 2022.

Register now to benefit from practical tips to help you stand out from the competition and prepare comprehensive and conforming bids for both government and private sector contracts.

This webinar will cover:

  • how to develop an effective approach to tenders
  • how to prepare responses to key criteria
  • understanding the importance of non-price criteria vs price
  • common pitfalls and traps
  • where to look for current and upcoming tendering opportunities
  • how to make your business more visible to buyers

Date: Thursday, 1 September 2022
Time: 11am (sharp) to 12pm

Register for Tendering Tips Webinar

Get in touch with South East Region DESBT - We are here to assist

 

Have a specific question or business need?

Want to subscribe to our regional newsletter?

Email your query/request to southtraining@desbt.qld.gov.au and an officer will be in touch.

 
 

Keep Informed

Subscribe to our DESBT Small Business Connect Newsletter or
follow us on Facebook for updates on upcoming grants.

 
 
 

Our Valued
Platinum + Gold Members

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

Rydges Gold Coast Airport To Be Continued Currumbin RSL The Surf Club Coolangatta Effective Workplace Solutions Palm Beach (QLD) SLSC Supporters Club Southern Cross University Palm Beach Travel Co. Fotoforce photography SMEC Depth Financial Advice Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Gold Coast Titans The Pines Elanora Lee's Environmental Currumbin Constructions Group Hiway Stabilizers RBR Property Consultants LJ Hooker Commercial Southern Gold Coast Hutchinson Builders ATCO STRUCTURES AND LOGISTICS Architectus Conrad Gargett Neumann Group Employers Mutual Limited Cranfield Group Queensland Airports Limited CMW Geosciences SEE Civil Pty Ltd The Events Agency BG&E Pty Limited Solar Set Pty Ltd GM Advisory