Join Tracy for a 30-minute session as she shares the latest and greatest apps and software designed to help small business owners like you increase productivity, save money and work smarter.
Each month, she’ll share ten new tips, tricks, or software you need to know about to stay ahead of the game. Trust us; you don’t want to miss out on this.
Tracy will share information that will make you the envy of your peers and your competitors shake in their boots.
And the best part? It’s a short and sweet 30-minute session, so you won’t have to sacrifice your afternoon to learn something new.
But don’t wait too long to join because the tech world waits for no one. See you there!
Tickets – https://events.humanitix.com/top-ten-tech-tips-arjyi8dq/tickets
Boonah business and community groups are encouraged to take part!
Saving the planet is a huge goal, but if everyone steps up we can make a big difference this Clean Up Australia Day.
Grab your family, friends, school, sporting or community group, your colleagues or your neighbours and get behind this year’s national events to tackle the environmental challenges we are all facing.
Schools and businesses can lead the way with their own events this month before national Clean Up Australia Day in March.
The Schools Clean Up Day offers teachers and students a hands-on educational and team bonding experience and a springboard for further discussion around environmental issues.
Businesses of all sizes can help drive environmental change, leading by example and fostering team spirit within their local community.
Key dates:
Donate, register and create your own Clean Up event today at https://www.whatsonscenicrim.com/…/clean-up-australia-day
Registration is FREE and includes a FREE clean-up kit*.
How will you step up this Clean Up Australia Day?
*Terms and conditions apply.
Scenic Rim community members are being invited to have their say in Council’s financial planning for the coming year by providing feedback on the Draft 2023-2024 Annual Budget.
The draft Budget documents will be made available from Wednesday 5 April for viewing and comment on Council’s online community engagement platform, Let’s Talk Scenic Rim. Residents and business operators will also be able to share their views at community consultation sessions to be held in April at Boonah, Beaudesert and Tamborine Mountain.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen encouraged community members to get behind the Budget planning process that will see all submissions received being tabled at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 9 May before the Budget is presented for adoption in June.
“During the development of our Scenic Rim Community Plan 2011-2026, one of the key priorities identified by residents was the efficient and equitable delivery of affordable services that provide best value for money,” he said.
“This current community consultation is a golden opportunity for residents to contribute to the Budget process.”
The Draft 2023-2024 Annual Budget documents will include statements of cash flow, income and expenditure and Council’s financial position, as well as the proposed capital works budget for the coming financial year and the 2023-2024 register of fees and charges.
Community consultation will commence on 5 April 2023 and will close on 3 May 2023.
Community members can provide their feedback online by registering on the letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/ platform or by attending one of the three community consultation sessions.
These will be held on the following dates at these locations:
Thursday 20 April at Boonah Cultural Centre from 5.30pm to 7pm
Wednesday 26 April at The Centre Beaudesert from 5.30pm to 7pm, and
Thursday 27 April at Tamborine Mountain State School from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Once all feedback has been considered, the final 2023-2024 Annual Budget will be prepared and will be tabled for adoption at a Special Meeting of Council scheduled for 14 June.
“Council values all feedback and is committed to continuing to work with the community to deliver a sustainable future for our region,” Mayor Christensen said.
To inform development of a new small business strategy, the Queensland Government is currently conducting a survey of Queensland small businesses to understand their goals, challenges, how they get their information and what they need to help them thrive.
We need your help in encouraging local small business owners and operators to complete the survey. Their ideas and feedback will help inform development of a new small business strategy due for release in the second half of 2023.
The survey is open from 30 January – 24 February 2023.
To complete the survey, visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/
The Workforce Connect Fund is an initiative designed to increase investment in industry and community-led projects that address attraction, retention and participation issues within the workforce.
It aims to drive systemic, industry-wide change in relation to these issues to enhance workforce outcomes for employers, employees and jobseekers.
The Workforce Connect Fund will fund large, scalable projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations to connect, develop and implement new and innovative strategies, services and/or mechanisms that support the attraction and retention of employees now and into the future.
It will also provide funding to small businesses that identify an immediate need for new and innovative Human Resource (HR) solutions to support their business.
For large-scale projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations, funding is available for a maximum 12-month term. The level of funding depends on the nature of the project and is capped at up to $1 million.
For eligible small businesses, up to $5,000 is available to provide immediate human resources (HR) support and advice (subject to funding availability).
Here is the link to find out more – https://desbt.qld.gov.au/
The Queensland Government is here to help your business thrive.
If you are starting out, need support to recover or want to grow your business,
they can help with:
Feel free to pop into any of the below locations to speak with their staff.
| Date | Location |
| 12 January | Beaudesert |
| 19 January | Boonah |
| 2 February | Tamborine Mountain |
| 9 February | Beaudesert |
| 16 February | Boonah |
| 23 February | Canungra |
They are also available online, on the phone or we can visit you at your business.
Please contact Paulina Ford 0427 757 169 or email [email protected] to book an appointment.
Three outstanding individuals and a local event which brought the community together in the spirit of inclusion have been celebrated at the 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards today.
The awards, presented at The Centre Beaudesert before a citizenship ceremony which welcomed the Scenic Rim’s 23 newest Australians, honoured the contribution of grassroots groups and quiet achievers who are at the heart of their local communities.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said each of the nominees should be proud of their achievements and the high regard in which they are clearly held by others.
“Whether through local service organisations or sporting groups, or simply by being ready to lend a helping hand to others in need, their example of selfless service should be an inspiration to us all,” he said.
“I am grateful to all those who took the time to nominate someone they felt well worthy of recognition because it is the contribution of these community champions, year-round and often over many decades, that makes our region such a great place to live and raise a family.
“Scenic Rim Regional Council is proud to present these Australia Day awards, recognising that those who give so much to their community also contribute in their own way to our uniquely Australian way of life.
“As the panel of judges reflected on the diverse nominations and the year that was 2022, they were inspired by the devotion and compassion that is affirmed through the efforts of all nominees.”
Nominations for the 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards were received in three categories, Community Event of the Year, Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) and Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (65+ years).
The Mayor’s Award, chosen from all nominees, acknowledged the achievement of an exceptional individual across all categories.
“This award recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to their community over many years, without any thought of personal gain, and provides an example we should all aspire to,” Mayor Christensen said.
“While all nominees have shown character and commitment to give back to their communities without any expectation of reward or recognition, this year one individual stood out for his quiet dignity and selfless service through some challenging times, inspiring community members of all ages.”
The award winners in each category are as follows:
Community Event of the Year – Dancing with Celebrities
The culmination of more than six months of planning, this inaugural event at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre in October 2022 aimed to increase interaction between all community members, whatever their strengths and abilities. Since 2018, the Lions Club of Tamborine Mountain’s Mountain Mates program, for young adults with a disability and their families, has focused on creating opportunities for friendship, socialising, and skills development. More than 180 people attended the first Dancing With Celebrities evening which was so successful, spreading the Mountain Mates’ message of social inclusion, that it is set to become a regular event on the community calendar. Dancing With Celebrities highlighted the importance of inclusion for people with a disability, in line with the Mountain Mates’ aim of creating a kinder, happier, more openhearted and accepting community.
Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) – Justin O’Leary
Since moving to Beaudesert some 17 years ago, Justin has become a role model to many through his community service and his work with people with disabilities as an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider. Justin was nominated for an award for his extraordinary contribution to the youth of Beaudesert and the wider Scenic Rim community. He provides training and discipline through the sport of boxing, and has provided shelter, support and lessons in self-respect to numerous young men and women whose lives have been at the point of unravelling. Justin has been a key figure in the promotion of a Police Citizen Youth Club for the local community and inspired others by his generosity, his capacity to reach out to others, and his ability to treat everyone with equality and respect.
Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (65+ years) – Adrian Sandell
Adrian established the Kooralbyn Men’s Shed after moving into the area some four years ago and seeing a need to help to men who were experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness. He has since become a mainstay of the local community and, as the current President of the Kooralbyn Community Group, oversees not only the running of the Men’s Shed but also the Op shop, Community Garden and a Crop Swap. He has supported numerous local events by organising volunteers and been involved with the Kokoda Youth Foundation, hosting a group of young members at the Men’s Shed. As a member of the local Men’s Group, Adrian has arranged group outings and guest speakers and, although retired, spends most days of the week and at weekends working in his volunteer roles for which he is regarded as an unsung local hero.
Mayor’s Award – Gary Hamblyn
As President of the Tamborine Memorial Hall Management Committee, Vice President of the Tamborine Village Lions Club, Past President of the Tamborine and District Citizens Association, and a member of the Tamborine Cenotaph Committee, Gary was nominated for his community involvement across many local groups including the Scenic Rim Regional Cadets. Gary has been involved actively with numerous local groups since 1995, either as a member or executive officer, and is a respected community member known for his readiness to lend a hand or offer advice. The Mayor’s Award recognises Gary’s quiet dignity and selfless service through some challenging times, which have inspired community members of all ages.
The stellar success of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week will see the region’s annual event mushroom to become a month-long celebration of paddock-to-plate experiences throughout June 2023.
From its inception in 2011, when 10 events attracted just 900 people, the Scenic Rim’s celebration of its farmers, growers, producers, artisans, chefs and quality food and beverages had grown to 125 events regionwide attended by almost 35,000 visitors in 2022, adding almost $2 million to the local economy.
Offering a taste of what is in store during Eat Local Month 2023, Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the full program, to be announced in April, would include long lunches showcasing local produce, flavour-filled dinners, farm gate experiences, food walks, tastings, tours, talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages culminating in the signature event, the Winter Harvest Festival, on 1 July.
“The exponential growth of Eat Local Week meant that nine days, with just two weekends, was no longer enough to celebrate all our region has to offer,” he said.
“Eat Local Month will place our farmers, growers and producers at centre stage and shine a spotlight on our outstanding local and seasonal produce against the backdrop of our spectacular Scenic Rim.
“The evolution of Eat Local Week to Eat Local Month reflects the success flowing from the hard work by many in our community during the past 12 years as well as the support of visitors from around Australia who appreciate authentic food experiences.”
With authentic food experiences contributing to the Scenic Rim’s inclusion in The Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2022, the Scenic Rim was also named by delicious magazine as one of the top five places to visit in 2023.
Eat Local Week has not only put the Scenic Rim on the map, it has also been the catalyst for growth and diversification across the region, inspiring collaboration between producers who have developed new lines including carrot beer, milk stout featuring milk from local sheep and cows, beef and vegetable sausages, beetroot and carrot bread, and camel milk vodka.
“Connecting our farmers and growers with chefs to create fabulous food experiences has been a game-changer for the Scenic Rim and created truly memorable moments for thousands of visitors who have been welcomed at farms and events across our region during the past 12 years,” Mayor Christensen said.
“The concept of ‘paddock-to-plate’ has become something of a culinary cliché, but here in the Scenic Rim it’s something we embrace not only during Eat Local Month but also year-round.
“Eat Local Month in winter celebrates our most abundant time of the year for our region and is the perfect time to enjoy local produce at its finest and connect with those who put food on our tables.”
Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said the expansion of the event was great news for both locals and visitors.
“The Scenic Rim is rapidly building its reputation as a foodie’s paradise and the expansion of Eat Local Week to a month-long event brings huge benefits to local accommodation providers, retailers and of course restaurants, cafes and other food experiences in the region,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, has supported this event for the past seven years, elevating it to ‘significant’ status with a three-year deal from 2022–2024.
“That’s because we are backing its growth as it brings increasing visitors to the region and an estimated $2 million economic boost, which in turns supports good local jobs.
“I encourage visitors from around Australia and the world to put the Scenic Rim on their ‘must do’ list this June for a literal taste of this amazing region.”
Eat Local Month is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program and has the highly sought-after Queensland Significant Event status.
