To all our industry,
Over the last few days the NSW Government has announced $10,000 grants for small business, 21 free TAFE NSW courses and the Federal Government announced a funding boost to support Australian exporters and tourism business – please continue reading below.
Please ensure that you are aware of the NSW Health Orders advising people must not travel to regional areas and that tourism operators are requested to follow this advice and to reschedule or postpone bookings.
It is now more than ever that we need to band together and look after one another. If DPS can provide any assistance please contact us via email info@portstephenstourism.com.au or call 4981 2964.
Take care.
Kind regards,
Eileen, Sharon and Nat
$10,000 GRANTS TO PROVIDE FAST RELIEF FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESSES BATTLING COVID-19
Thousands of small businesses across NSW struggling to cope with the COVID-19 shutdown will receive grants of up to $10,000 under a new assistance scheme announced on Friday, 3 April 2020 by the NSW Government.
The NSW Government will put $750 million into the Small Business Support Fund as the centrepiece of a third wave of support measures to keep small businesses afloat.
Additional information including eligibility is available at Service NSW. Applications for a small business grant of up to $10,000 will be available through Service NSW within a fortnight (by 17 April) and remain open until 1 June 2020.
REMINDER – NSW HEALTH ORDER – TRAVEL TO REGIONAL AREAS
NSW Health Orders advise that people must not travel to regional areas, as this is not a “reasonable excuse” for leaving the house. Anyone who does travel will be breaching Orders and may be subject to heavy penalties.
Tourism operators are requested to follow this advice by not promoting travel within NSW or accommodation stays until further notice. Operators who have existing bookings are encouraged to contact guests to postpone and reschedule travel and stays for another time in the future when Government advice has changed.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties for individuals and corporations. For information go to the NSW Government Public Health Orders website.
ACCC RELEASES GUIDELINES ON CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) has issued guidance to assist small businesses to understand their rights and obligations when issuing refunds in response to the coronavirus under the Australian Consumer Law.
The guide outlines small business rights and obligations relating to issues such as cancelled functions and events, pricing of goods and services, and charging subscription and membership fees when the business is not operating.
NSW PREMIER ANNOUNCES 21 FREE TAFE COURSES
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAFE NSW, in conjunction with the NSW Government, is offering a number of fee-free* short courses that can be completed in just days or weeks, offering practical skills and experiences across a range of industries.
Why not explore some of the fee-free* short courses as well as learn more about our Mature Age Scholarships, Destination Australia Scholarships and Women in Business program, among many others.
For information https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses
FUNDING BOOST TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIAN EXPORTERS AND TOURISM BUSINESSES
The Australian Government will inject an extra $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world.
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a key Government financial assistance program to help aspiring and current exporters grow their business overseas. The scheme is based on expenditure by tourism businesses to attract international visitors. Further information on the EMDG scheme and how to apply can be found at Austrade.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
As the tourism industry navigates this challenging landscape, many operators have found new and exciting ways to captivate audiences. Share your stories via live video streams, interviews, engaging content, candid moments and beautiful scenery, tell followers what it is that’s unique to your business. Take advantage of the ‘new normal’ by continuing to educate, inspire and entertain consumers so they can visit in the future.
Please share your content with Destination Port Stephens by either tagging us in your posts and stories, using the social handle #portstephens or sending any videos direct via email. And remember to follow other destinations for some inspiration, ideas, tips and tricks on sharing social content.
JOBKEEPER FACT SHEETS FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND SOLE TRADERS
The Australian Government has also released a series of fact sheets on the JobKeeper Payment to assist businesses, sole traders and employees understand the process and benefits that are available. For further information visit the Treasury website,
STAY CONNECTED
Port Stephens Member Facebook Page. Join the members Facebook page to receive regular updates and to communicate with members. Join here.
Weekly DPS Member Meetings: DPS is holding weekly meetings with industry via Zoom at 1pm every Friday. Due to Easter public holidays, the next meeting will be held on Friday, 17 April – invitations will be sent our prior.
DPS Website – Information for Industry. Visit the corporate website which provides information and links to stimulus packages and financial support, resources as well as webinars and training