Free events for small business
Warragul small business owners will be encouraged to grow their businesses together at two free events celebrating Small Business Day on Tuesday, March 20.
The day, which will include a free small business breakfast and pop-up information centre in Warragul, will promote the importance of having a combined business voice. It will also provide business owners and operators with support, information and advice.
Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis and Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell will be guest speakers at the “Grow Your Business, Together” breakfast hosted by Warragul Business Group.
According to Ms O’Connell, the breakfast will be an opportunity for local businesses to network, learn about government support and ask questions.
“In my travels across Victoria as Small Business Commissioner, I’ve seen the correlation between a strong small business network and the success of local businesses in regional towns,” she said.
“There is already a strong business voice in Warragul through the Warragul Business Group and continuing to build on this is important for a thriving business community.”
The breakfast will be followed by a free information pop-up centre staffed by representatives from a wide range of local, state and federal government agencies.
“The pop-up information centre is a chance for business owners to chat one-on-one with agency representatives who can provide advice and answer questions on the spot,” said Ms O’Connell.
“If people want to know more about starting a business, employing staff, reducing energy bills, resolving business disputes, or anything else to do with running a business, then the pop-up information centre is the place to go.”
The free “Grow Your Business, Together” breakfast will be held at Warragul Country Club on Tuesday, March 20 from 7.30am to 9am. To book tickets, visit warragulbusinessbreakfast.eventbrite.com.au.
The pop-up information centre will be held at The Courthouse from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, March 20. A free coffee will be on offer to those who attend, and bookings are not required.
Similar free small business breakfasts will be held in Trafalgar on Thursday, April 19 and Drouin on Friday, May 4. Details for both will be released soon.
“Grow Your Business, Together” is supported by the Victorian Small Business Commission and Latrobe Valley Authority.
Cardinia Shire Council is in the hunt for a new chief executive officer.
Incumbent Gary McQuillan has given the council seven months to find a replacement after advising he planned to retire on October 5.
Mr McQullian has been CEO for 11 of his 16 years with the shire.
Mayor Collin Ross said he and other councillors thanked Mr McQuillan for his “extraordinary contribution” during a period of incredible growth.
He leaves the organisation well placed to tackle the challenge of the future, Cr Ross said.
Mr McQuillan has also served as chairman of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Development Australia Committee, Interface and South-East Metropolitan group of councils and the Foodprint Melbourne Stakeholder Advisory Group that promotes agriculture in the region.
The “Together we can” and White Ribbon campaigns against family violence have also benefited from his advocacy and involvement.
Before joining Cardinia shire Mr McQuillan held executive positions with the City of Boroondara in Melbourne and the City of Fairfield in New South Wales.
Cr Ross said details of the process to identify and appoint a new CEO would be provided in coming weeks.