Latest News & Updates

Our new Business Directory is now launched and in Boonah stores – which marks the coming close of 2020. The past year started off with drought in our region, which continues today, followed by bush fires and capped off with COVID-19, which continues to have an effect into the final weeks of the year.  With all the adversity and challenges that 2020 has brought to our local businesses, it was great to see our business community come together and support each other through the difficult times.  Once again, the resilience and determination of our region has shone through.

The events of this year have also had effects on our organisation in various ways restrictions affecting the ability of member’s meetings to occur. This meant that there were only four Member’s meetings this year.

For much of the year events were impacted and cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions including some very long-standing events such as the Boonah Show and other important events including the Centenary celebration of the Boonah War Memorial.  Despite this being a very unusual year, Boonah District Chamber of Commerce has continued to work with community groups, businesses, locals and our politicians to improve and promote our region.

We were able to have an impact by joining the community to save our airfield, and a five year extension has been granted to BAI to operate Boonah Airfield from September 2020.

In August 2020 the Chamber conducted a survey of the local community regarding shopping facilities and visitors to seek their views on the region –  what experiences they were looking for, what would encourage them to stay longer. Also why did they visit, how Boonah can be more accommodating to them as a visitor.  The surveys have been collected, will be analysed and reported back to Members so that they can act on the findings.

The Christmas Street Festival will not be run this year as it has in previous years. Various options were considered by your Executive however due to the numbers of people who usually attend and the requirement of the State Government for COVID Event Planning, it was decided that we needed to compromise. Chamber has received a Grant from Federal & State Governments under the Bush Fire Recovery which will be used to part fund the Business Directory & COVID allowing a community celebration mid 2021.

To celebrate Christmas and bring some Christmas cheer to the main street of Boonah, there will be roving street entertainers on Monday 21^st, Tuesday 22^nd and Wednesday 23^rd December with 3 x 30 minute roves between 10am to 1pm.  Details here.

Thanks to our Executive Committee for their hard work and leadership during this difficult year:

• President Bruce Trevena
• Vice President Wendy Creighton
• Secretary Margaret Fry
• Treasurer John Stone
• Member Wendy Briner
• Member Vicky Maynard
• Member Julie De Visser who retired to nominate as Councilor for Division 5

We were pleased to welcome two new Members to the Executive in July 2020

• Member John Brent
• Member Richard Stanfield

2020 has been a tough year for businesses in our region and around Australia so we encourage our members to apply for this grant from the Scenic Rim Regional Council in order to future-proof your business.  Here are the details:

Ready to take your online presence to the next level?

Sole traders and small- to medium-sized businesses are encouraged to access digital technologies and services to help them work smarter, engage with the global economy and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.

Improve your online and e-commerce activities by applying for matched funding, with a maximum Council contribution of up to $2,000. Total project costs may exceed $2,000, with businesses providing additional funding above Council’s contribution. Applications open 13 October 2020 and close on 31 December 2020, with approvals being progressively rolled out as applications are received.

The scheme may close earlier should all funding be allocated ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must complete all proposed work within four months of signing a letter of agreement with Council.

What can I apply for?

• website design and development
• e-commerce platforms
• online content development
• digital marketing and promotion
• development of online marketing plan
• supporting hardware and/or software, and
• mentoring and/or training in online and e-commerce activities.

More information is available in the Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants brochure

The guidelines and application form are available in the attachments below:

• Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants guidelines
• Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants application form
• Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants outcome report

Your Chance to Meet your Candidates for the upcoming local Government elections on March 28th.

Voters are offered an opportunity to hear and compare the policies and priorities of candidates for Mayor and Division 5 & 6 for the Scenic Rim Regional Council at a “Meet the Candidates” evening on Wednesday 18th March at the Boonah Cultural Centre.

Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.  Voters are encouraged to submit written questions into the question box on the night before 6.30pm.  Questions won’t be taken from the floor – written ones only.

Candidates will present a 3 minute speech each, followed by voters written questions, then a final 2 minute summing up.

Everyone is invited to attend on the night – entry is free. Expected to finish around 9pm.

TAFE Queensland is funding a Business Growth and Recovery program for ANY business in the Scenic Rim region.

The program focuses on equipping businesses with the key skill, knowledge and processes to initially stabilize their business through the drought and recent bus fires and then to grow their business to the next level including development of and/or access to:
• A Business plan (short term and medium term business strategy)
• Digital literacy including digital security, social media and a range of cloud computing solutions
• A Business Capability Statement and/or Company Profile
• Business case studies, testimonials and references
• Opportunity selection (go/no tool) and basic due diligence processes
• Advice on key business systems and documentation (eg: WHS system, HR, IT and Recordkeeping).

Business also have access to a maximum of ten hours confidential business coaching/mentoring at no charge.

This program commences Friday 1 November 2019 and we appreciate any assistance in recruitment for this program.

For more information click here

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5069fad9566f458ca4964141e2995692