business, how the process can be undertaken and who is available to support the

process is critical, especially in times of great economic change and uncertainty.

INNOVATION! WHY? HOW? WHO? is a forum presenting the opportunities, process and

networks available to businesses which adopt research, development and innovation as a

potential business growth strategy hosted by Manufacture Coffs Coast Inc.

To be held at Bonville Golf Resort Thursday 24th May from 3:30pm, this is a rare

opportunity to meet a targeted network of professionals and organisations which work with

businesses of all sizes to bring about innovation in the areas of business strategy,

product development and intellectual property. Learn not only what Federal Government

grants, services and tax incentives are available from AusIndustry and Enterprise

Connect, but how to apply and what you can claim. You may be able to claim some

current business activities under the R&D Tax Incentive, don’t miss out!

Read all about it

15 May, 2012

NBN Co announces plans for fixed wireless broadband on the North and Mid North Coast

The company building Australia’s national broadband network, NBN Co, today unveiled the locations in the Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour regions, which are scheduled to receive high-speed fixed wireless broadband.

The fixed-wireless network will deliver high-speed broadband to homes and businesses at wholesale speeds up to 150 times faster than dial-up and up to eight times faster than ADSL*.

“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications,” NBN Co General Manger of External Relations Trent Williams said today.

“NBN Co’s plan to deliver high speed broadband to every Australian using one of three technologies – fibre, fixed wireless and satellite – aims to change that.

Read the full list of sites here

Beverley Jackson from WorkCover, who was to be our next breakfast speaker but couldn’t make it, has kindly provided some information and web links (below). Thanks to Ruth for liaising with Beverley.

Also, Australian Business Training Solutions (ABTS), which is the training arm for the NSW Business Chamber, is delivering a wide range of safety and business training. See this link:

http://view.email.nswbc.com.au/?j=fe571576766d037a7711&m=fef91d70726501&ls=fdf110737d6c047974117870&l=fef616747c650d&s=fe2913787465027d751378&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe33167175620574741478&r=0

Pete Bennetts

UMCC

02-6655.5001

1. Understanding the new Work Health and Safety Act – A practical guide.

2. Information on the 2012 Work Health and Safety legislation at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/Pages/default.aspx, with a number of subheadings with more detailed information on specific topics.

3. A small business website is at http://smallbusiness.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx , with a number of links to guidance material, tools and documents for small businesses.

4. There are a number of pre-recorded webinars on the 2012 legislation at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/assistance-and-support/Pages/whs-webinars.aspx. Some of the webinars offered in the past will eventually go up as pre-recorded webinars, so it is worth keeping an eye on the page over the coming weeks.

5. There are a number of trainer resources at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/lawpolicy/Policiesreasearchgrants/grants/Pages/default.aspx, which may be useful.

6. The $500 rebate program for small businesses has been revamped, with different criteria. Info and application form at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/assistance-and-support/small-business-rebate/Pages/default.aspx.

[WorkCover don’t have any public workshops scheduled. However, if there is sufficient interest from Chamber members, WorkCover provided a request form for Chamber to request a workshop, presentation or information session.]

Beverley Jackson

Business Advisory Officer | Business Assistance Branch

WorkCover NSW

Suite 33, Jetty Village Shopping Centre, 361 Harbour Drive COFFS HARBOUR 2450

Phone: (02) 6659 1706

Mobile: 0428 105 261

Fax: (02) 9287 4456

Email: beverley.jackson@workcover.nsw.gov.au

WORK SAFE4HOME SAFE

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER LAUNCHES HANDBOOK TO HELP EMPLOYERS HIRE MATURED AGED WORKERS

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber has launched a handbook that highlights the benefits to NSW employers of employing matured aged workers and tips to make a successful recruitment.

The handbook, “The Business Case for Recruiting and Retaining Mature Aged Workers”, is a joint publication between the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the NSW Business Chamber. The handbook is part of ACCI’s ‘Employ outside the Box’ campaign that is designed to help employers diversify their workforce.

“Mature aged workers can bring a wealth of experience and diversity to a workplace if they are given the opportunity to contribute,” said Kellon Beard, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager.

“Considering the skills shortages we are facing right across the national economy, matured aged workers are a resource that we are simply not utilising as effectively as we should.

“The message to NSW employers in our handbook is to make your next employment decision a conscious one to employ a mature aged worker.

Mr Beard said the handbook highlighted the benefits to employers and workplaces of hiring mature aged workers including:

Tapping into a source of skilled labour during a shortfall of skilled employees;

Established networks, external interests and experiences that add value to a business;

Loyalty and tendency to stay with an employer longer than younger employees;

Mentoring younger employees and passing on ‘corporate memory’ to other employees.

Mr Beard said the Federal Government had taken the first steps to promoting matured aged recruitment through financial incentives but more needed to be done to remove the misconceptions and prejudices around mature aged workers.

“Peak business organisations like state chambers of commerce are doing our bit to encourage our members to make their next recruitment a mature aged worker. We can all do a lot more in this area considering the benefits to our workplaces and the national economy.”

Copies of the handbook are available at www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au.

Announcement re additional incentive for Employers looking to recruit mature aged workers

Hi all,

As many would have heard throughout the media over the past few days, an additional incentive to recruit mature workers has been announced by the Australian Government.

For your general reference I have included a link with the details regarding this incentive.

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/ExpPlus/Pages/supportformatureagejobseekers.aspx

Please feel free to circulate details to those who may be interested. If you have any questions or wish to discuss, please feel free to call or email.

Regards

Mark Almond

Employment Project Coordinator

Building Australia’s Future Workforce – Mid North Coast Region

Australian Government Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

3rd Floor, 3 Hopetoun Street (PO Box 627) CHARLESTOWN NSW 2290

Phone–(02) 4940 1707 Mobile-0412 834 590 Fax-(02) 6204 2368

“Closing the Gap” is everyone’s business

DEEWR acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and

their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to

them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.

See full e-newsletter here

To view newsletter click here

work smarter, not harder

Monday April 16th to Friday May 11th, 2012 Bellingen

Contact Thea O’Connor to sign up and for further details. enquiries@thea.com.au 0412 190 860.