Letter to Member; Latest Updates & Useful Links (6 April 2020)
Dear Member/Friend
TAFE NSW COURSES + OTHER PROGRAMS
The NSW Government has announced today that, in conjunction with TAFE, a number of “fee-free” short courses would be offered by TAFE.
The courses are within 3 areas:
- Develop Administrative Skills;
- Enhance your Digital Impact; and
- Grow Health and Medical Knowledge.
Here is the link for more details: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses
If during the period of isolation, you are contemplating changes in your business or a change in direction, these courses may assist you.
There are also webinars being given by Business Enterprise Centre Northern Region as advised previously. They are:
- Getting found on Google, Wednesday 8 April 2020 at 10am and Mailchimp, Wednesday 15 April at 10am.
Additionally, we have arranged for Mandy Walker of Focus First Business Coaching to provide 45 minute free business coaching by telephone to businesses in the Armidale Region.
SMALL CHANGES TO THE RULES IN RELATION TO CLOSURE OF PREMISES
Several changes to the social distancing rules were announced last Saturday (4 April 2020) by the NSW Minister for Health.
Funerals Limits to funerals have been lifted from 10 people to 10 people plus necessary funeral staff or a priest or celebrant
Livestock or crops. Auctions can be held where people attend, for food supply (which includes livestock) or crops or fibre
Caravan Parks or Camping Grounds can now be used by overnight travelers, where accommodating permanent residents, people working locally or people who cannot stay in their residence, such as bush fire victims, or people having no place of permanent residence.
Truck Stops Restrictions have been lifted so that truck stops are now open to truck drivers and their passengers for the sale of food and beverages.
JOBKEEPER PAYMENT—Information for Employers
Here is a Fact Sheet providing up to date (5 April 2020) information concerning JobKeeper payments. It provides background information concerning who are eligible employers and eligible employees as well as advising what employers need to do to receive the payment. Some details are given of the application process as well as examples. If you haven’t, and wish to, you should register your interest as an employer via ato.gov.au
QANTAS
While I have not been able to confirm it, I understand that Qantas have advised that the service to Armidale will be suspended from Thursday 9 April 2020 until about 31 May 2020 unless the current restrictions change. Qantas plans to resume services at that time. This is very disappointing news but understandable given that passenger numbers have been very low. I am not aware whether the State Government could have offered a subsidy.
There will be limited flights from Tamworth and Coffs Harbour.
For Armidale this is another aspect of COVID-19 that demonstrates the need for strict ongoing social distancing.
SMALL BUSINESS BUSHFIRE INFORMATION WEBINAR
There is a Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar on tomorrow evening, 7 April 2020.
Best wishes,
Anthony
Anthony Fox
President
Armidale Business Chamber
afox@foxlegal.com.au
m. 0402 838 077
USEFUL LINKS:
Coronavirus Australia App Available from the Apple App or Google Play.
Join our Facebook groups:
