Good Morning,

I hope you are well today. We are pleased to share with you that RCCIWA will be participating as a member of the State Recovery Advisory Group, as announced by The Premier last week. We take the responsibility of providing input and advice on behalf of our members very seriously and are confident we will contribute strongly. The group has been formed to bring together leaders from business, industry, the not for profit sector, UnionsWA and local government along with State Government representatives, to seek strategic input and advice on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify the challenges and opportunities for recovery. We look forward to providing a strong regional WA Business voice.

One of the positives we have seen come out of this pandemic is the way everyone is working in collaboration to support the economic and social recovery in regional WA. Today we are highlighting just a few of the fantastic initiatives and activities our members are delivering in partnership and with support of other organisations. We have said it before, and we’ll say it again – we our so proud of our members and the leadership they have been demonstrating and the genuine help and support they are providing to their local business communities.

Wheatbelt Business Network   
COVID Hotline for all Wheatbelt Businesses
The WBN with support and financial contribution from the Wheatbelt Development Commission and RDA Wheatbelt are providing Wheatbelt businesses with the opportunity to access valuable business information and assistance relating to COVID-19 through a dedicated Hotline service. Businesses will be able to talk to one of their WBN professionals on any issues relating to the COVID-19 situation and where they are not able to assist directly, they can refer the business to one of their contacts who will be able to assist. Wheatbelt businesses will also have access to our targeted webinars relating to the current business situation. Well done to our member, WBN on this very important and valuable initiative.  To find out more about this fantastic service read here.
 

Margaret River CCI and the
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
Working in Collaboration
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River have established a COVID Community Care Package to support their local community to minimise the health, social and economic impacts of this pandemic. Our member the Margaret River CCI, developed a business support plan and have successfully applied for funding through the program to be able to offer free memberships to all local businesses as well as accounting vouchers to assist with seeking financial advice. This will provide immediate and substantive assistance to businesses experiencing financial hardship. We commend and congratulate the Shire of Augusta-Margaret-River and our member the MRCCI, for developing this important and valuable program to ensure all local businesses get access to the support and help they need. To find out more read here.  

Narrogin Chamber and the Shire of Narrogin
Together We Can
The Shire of Narrogin Council is providing all residents, who are over the age of 18 and who are already on the Electoral Roll for Narrogin, with five (5) $10 vouchers which are redeemable at any of the 150 plus Narrogin businesses who are members of the Narrogin Chamber of Commerce. This will potentially inject alot of money directly into their local economy. The vouchers are available from the Narrogin Chamber of Commerce. A fantastic initiative from the Shire of Narrogin and the Narrogin Chamber of Commerce that will have an immediate positive economic impact. Well done to the Shire and our fab member the Narrogin Chamber of Commerce for this strong collaborative effort in supporting your business community. Read here to find out more. 
 

​i Think WA – Have your say on our States Recovery
As part of the recovery planning from the COVID-19 pandemic, iThink are seeking your ideas, big and small, on how to get our State back on its feet. The Government has already put in place many initiatives, programs and stimulus measures in response to the pandemic and for early recovery. Now is your opportunity to let them  know what you think are the key impacts, and have your say on the actions and priorities for recovery through the partnership of government, business, industry, trade unions, not for profits, local governments, the public sector and individuals in our community.

They encourage you to take a look at the challenges and submit your ideas to support Western Australia’s recovery here. Challenges will be open from Thursday 28 May 2020 and will close on Friday 26 June 2020.

RCCIWA Skills and Workforce Training Survey
The Dept of Training and Workforce Development are conducting an urgent review of Skills Training and Workforce Development in response to COVID 19.  We have been directly providing feedback to DTWD and the regional TAFE’s and now need input from you - our members and as many regional businesses as possible. This will ensure we can provide relevant information to assist in the shaping of training and workforce development in regional WA. We encourage you to share this survey link with your members and networks.

Recommended Sources for Business Information
Both the SBDC and CCIWA have developed excellent COVID-19 online resources, specifically for businesses. Both of the sites are free, and anyone can access them. CCIWA have also developed a comprehensive Recovery Reform Roadmap which we support.  They are both updating their sites regularly. We recommend you direct your members to these and also have a look at their updates and information for you own use. The Federal Government also has business specific information.

Relief and Stimulus
The Various State and Federal Government relief and financial support available for businesses is detailed both by the SBDC and the Federal Government on their sites. They have made it easy to understand and give information as to how businesses access any stimulus if they are eligible. The Australian Tax Office website is also very informative. 

Public Authority Health Advice
We recommend that you follow State and Federal public authority advice in regard to health and hygiene measures as well as social distancing rules.

Now that further restrictions are easing this week and regional borders are all open, we hope you have the opportunity to support as many local businesses as possible wherever you may be in regional WA.

Sincerely,
Kitty Prodonovich