Media Releases

Small businesses in the Nhill area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on exiting a business thanks to a forthcoming seminar announced today by the Member for Lowan, Hon Hugh Delahunty MP.

Mr Delahunty said the Exiting Your Business Successfully seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Nhill CFA Hall, 94 Nelson Street, Nhill at 7:00pm on Tuesday, 14 May.

“This is a great opportunity for Nhill businesses to obtain expert professional business advice to assist them at a convenient location,” Mr Delahunty said.

This seminar will show participants how to discover how to achieve maximum resale value for your business, how to implement steps to succession planning and what buyers look for when purchasing a business.

Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars.  Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.

Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.

All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.

Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 533,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.

“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.

For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is encouraging people in the Lowan electorate to nominate an outstanding business woman in western Victoria for an award.
“The Telstra Business Women’s awards provide an opportunity for women who have made a significant contribution to the workforce to receive the accolades they deserve,” Mr Delahunty said.
The 2013 Telstra Business Women’s Awards celebrate successful local business women whose inspiration, determination and innovation is worth celebrating.
“There are many women in western Victoria who have achieved great things in many different business fields and these awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate them.”
“Winners and finalists are offered recognition of their achievements, increased business profile, networking and mentoring opportunities, and a share in more than $250,000 in cash and prizes,” Mr Delahunty said.
Awards are open to business owners, women in the private and corporate sector and the government and community sectors. Other awards recognise business innovation and young business women.
The Telstra Business Women’s Awards State and territory winners will be announced at state and territory Awards luncheons and National winners are announced at the Gala Dinner in Melbourne on the 14 November 2013.
“I’m encouraging nominations and entries so that innovative, hard-working, established and emerging business women who inspire other women to reach their own goals can be recognised”, Mr Delahunty said.
Nominations for the Awards can be made at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com or by phoning 1800 817 536. Entries are open until 25th June, 2013.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said small businesses in the Horsham area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on marketing thanks to a forthcoming seminar.

“The Marketing Basics seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, will be held at Wimmera Business Centre at 6:00pm on Wednesday, 27 March,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This is a great opportunity for Horsham businesses to obtain expert professional business advice to assist them at a convenient location,” Mr Delahunty said.

Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars.  Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.

Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.

All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.

Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 533,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.

“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.

“I encourage business operators in the Horsham area to take advantage of the information sessions,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said applications for the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Small Grants for Small Communities are now open.
“This grants program will offer up to $400,000 in grants to benefit people in small rural and remote communities and the grants will be made in amounts of up to $5000,” Mr Delahunty said.
Applications from communities with populations of 10,000 or less will receive priority, and organisations demonstrating community partnerships will be preferred to multiple applications from one community.
Mr Delahunty said projects and activities should offer a clear public benefit, contributing to social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or cultural development, he said.
“I encourage local not-for-profit community-based organisations to consider applying for funding under this program.  Successful projects in the Lowan electorate has included the Hamilton to Coleraine Railway Line Landcare Group field day,” Mr Delahunty said.
“Men’s Sheds, community mini-bus, community halls, water supplies, travellers’ rest areas, playground equipment, education equipment and winter school apparel are some of the projects to receive funding in the last funding round, so I urge not-for-profit organisations to apply to the FRRR Small Grants for Small Communities, this is a great opportunity for local groups,” Mr Delahunty said.
Applications close on 2nd April, 2013 and application forms and guidelines are available from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal on www.frrr.org.au, freecall 1800 170 020 or Mr Delahunty’s electorate offices at 114 Firebrace Street, Horsham telephone 5382 0097 or 44 Gray Street, Hamilton on 5571 9800.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said small businesses in the Horsham area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on business planning thanks to a forthcoming seminar.

“The Business Planning Basics seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Wimmera Business Centre, Darlot Street, Horsham at 6:00pm on Wednesday, 13 March,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This is a great opportunity for Horsham businesses to obtain expert professional business advice to assist them at a convenient location,” Mr Delahunty said.

The information session is a practical business planning seminar will help point small business in the right direction to plan to succeed in business.  It would be ideal for both new owners and those thinking about starting a business you will learn how to write and implement a one page business plan and how to set goals that will put you on track to success.

Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars.  Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.

Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.

Mr Delahunty said all workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.

Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 533,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.

“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.

“I encourage business operators in the Horsham area to take advantage of the information sessions,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/workshops  Participants are able to book online, or telephone 5381 0300 or email info@wimmerabusinesscentre.com.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today called on companies and individuals in the Lowan Electorate to nominate for the 2013 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards.
“The Hall of Fame awards showcase the most innovative and productive of Victoria’s manufacturing industry,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Established more than a decade ago, the awards are designed to demonstrate how locally based manufacturers can take on global markets.

“The awards highlight successful manufacturers who have innovated, diversified and embraced excellence.

“While Australian companies are facing challenges domestically and globally, there are many leading edge Victorian manufacturers that are carving out new markets. 

“During its history, the Hall of Fame has recognised 127 companies, added 23 recipients to the Honour Roll and acknowledged nine Young Manufacturers of the Year. 

“These award winners span the diversity of Victoria’s manufacturing sector: aeronautical, automotive, telecommunications, defence, printing, textiles, scientific instruments, health, packaging, marine, recycling and food.

“The 2013 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame is now seeking individuals for nomination to the Honour Roll and for Young Manufacturer of the Year. 
“Award categories also include Company of the Year for small, medium and large businesses,” Mr Delahunty said.
Nominations will close on Friday, 15 February 2013.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from: http://business.vic.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/awards

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated Horsham Doors and Glass on being awarded a grant to the value of $8550 under the Victorian Government’s latest round of Grow Your Business funding for small businesses.

“Horsham Doors and Glass is an established small business that will benefit from the planning and management services offered by the Grow Your Business program,” Mr Delahunty said.

Horsham Doors and Glass supplies doors and windows to the domestic and commercial building sectors. The business services customers throughout Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales and currently employs 16 people. 

In announcing the grant, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Grow Your Business program is designed to help small Victorian-based companies to boost their productivity and become more internationally competitive.

“The program assists businesses to look strategically at how they can invest in research and innovation, and explore new markets and export opportunities.  Businesses can utilise a range of assistance under the program which may include engaging the services of an independent specialist for either one-on-one advice or group programs,” Ms Asher said.

Mr Delahunty said Horsham Doors and Glass had chosen to work with an adviser on conducting a strategic business review and development plan to help build on its strengths and identify its competitive advantage.

“A consultant is partnering with the company to assess where improvements can be made in its product range, service and manufacturing processes.  This is a great opportunity for Horsham Doors and Glass and I congratulate the company on successfully applying for a Grow Your Business grant,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information on Grow Your Business and other Victorian Government  support programs, go to business.vic.gov.au or call 132 215.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed a new national product safety guide that will help businesses identify potentially dangerous or banned products.

“The Product Safety Guide for Business was designed to help traders understand Australia‟s national product safety laws and ensure compliance with those laws,” Mr Delahunty said.
 
The Product Safety Guide for Business will be a very useful tool for traders to have on hand and refer to as needed.  The guide has been designed for traders, particularly discount variety stores, “two dollar shops‟, weekend market traders, and retailers of baby goods and toys.

Mr Delahunty said all businesses, including retailers and wholesalers, have a responsibility to ensure the products they sell comply with national product safety laws and to be aware of any changes to the law.

“There are significant penalties for selling banned or non-compliant goods, and Consumer Affairs Victoria regularly conducts surveillance activities to identify traders with non-compliant products on their shelves.”

”The Victorian Government knows businesses value their customers’ safety and businesses should not assume that all imported products have been checked for compliance with Australia’s product safety laws, and this guide will help them operate within the law,” Mr Delahunty said.

The guide has been developed in partnership between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and state and territory consumer protection agencies.

“The guide provides critical information about the sale of banned items and mandatory standards in a range of categories including baby products, clothing, confectionery, furniture, swimming pools, toys and vehicles.”

Businesses can get the guide from the ACCC and from Consumer Affairs Victoria. They can also download the guide at www.productsafety.gov.au or www.consumer.vic.gov.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the Coalition Government is supporting business and economic development in Horsham Rural City with $75,000 funding.

“The Horsham Rural City Council would use the funding to employ a specialist and dedicated Business and Economic Development officer to pursue economic development initiatives for the municipality and foster growth in the economic and business sectors,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Horsham Rural City Council is a growing regional city with a broad and vibrant economic base,” Mr Delahunty said.

The council has identified the need to better foster and support the growth of its economy through the employment of a specialist and dedicated resource.  The role will provide a key link to the areas of need identified through the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Strategic Plan.

Mr Delahunty said the role’s major areas of focus will be growth and investment opportunities to be realised following the completion of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, investigations and opportunities in local mineral sands mining, and the development and use of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal.

The Business and Economic Development officer would help foster and support the growth of the Horsham Rural City’s economy.

“This would be achieved through the attraction of new businesses and enterprises and growth of existing ones and the establishment and facilitation of identified economic development programs and projects,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The role will also help foster improved relations with and support to industry sectors and business groups together with individual businesses in our community.”

Victorian Government funding to employ the Business Initiatives Officer would be provided to Horsham Rural City Council, which would contribute $154,000.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced that the Victorian Coalition is encouraging manufacturers in the Lowan electorate to invest in new technology that will increase productivity and competitiveness, under a new $24.8 million program.

Mr Delahunty said the Investing in Manufacturing Technology (IMT) program would provide grants of up $250,000 to support Victorian manufacturers in adopting new technologies.

“The IMT program is a key part of the Victorian Government’s $58 million manufacturing industry assistance package, announced in the 2012-13 Budget,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Victorian Coalition recognises that there are challenges in manufacturing including the high Australian dollar and the higher energy costs under the proposed carbon tax, but is committed to ensuring any financial assistance to manufacturers is based on an increase in productivity, diversification of products or new lines or investments that will enable companies to compete in new international markets.

“There is resilience in the Victorian manufacturing sector in western Victoria, and I was pleased to see the manufacturing jobs rose for the second consecutive quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data released 14 June.

“There are great examples in western Victoria in manufacturing across a number of sectors, and I have seen first-hand how businesses continually meeting challenges and I encourage all western Victorian manufacturing businesses, small and large to apply for these grants,” MR Delahunty said.

Applications for IMT Round One are open from 18 June 2012 to 20 July 2012, with total funding of up to $3 million available in this round. Grants will be allocated on a competitive basis and will require a minimum co-contribution from the business of $3 for every $1 granted.

An outline of the program, key dates, application process, eligibility criteria, assessment process and reporting requirements can be found at www.business.vic.gov.au/imt or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.