Welcome to the October 2025 edition of West Torrens Business Leaders' News.

We are delighted to continue connecting and supporting our local business community through this newsletter. Our aim is to keep you informed about the latest opportunities, events and initiatives that can help your business thrive in West Torrens.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and working alongside you! Together, we can foster innovation, collaboration, and growth, ensuring West Torrens remains a great place to do business. Consider browsing the Help for Business information on our website to find resources and information that may be of assistance.

Enjoy this edition and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to share your story or have any suggestions for future newsletters.

In partnership with the Office for Small and Family Business, the City of West Torrens is offering free one-on-one sessions with a dedicated Business Support Officer, providing tailored advice designed to help your business thrive.

Your Business Support Officer can assist you with:

• Accessing essential tools and resources to power up your business.
• Navigating government support services with ease.
• Connecting you with valuable local insights and networks.
• Exploring grants and funding opportunities available to you.

Whether you’re looking for assistance with business development or growth strategies, this service offers you practical advice and local expertise to empower you.

Sessions are available on Thursday 13 November 2025

Location: West Torrens Civic Centre, 165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033

With only 6 sessions available and a waiting list in place, early booking is essential.

Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to connect with dedicated support tailored specifically for West Torrens and start unlocking your business potential today.

Book your spot now!

The City of West Torrens is proud to announce it has become a partner of the Western Adelaide Jobs Expo! We are pleased to collaborate with the Cities of Charles Sturt, Port Adelaide Enfield, and the Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program – Adelaide North to deliver the region’s premier employment and training event.

The fifth Western Adelaide Jobs Expo will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Over the years, this event has become a must-attend for employers, training providers and jobseekers. Each year, the Expo attracts more than 2,000 jobseekers and students, connecting them with over 100 exhibitors, workshops, and interactive displays.

For sponsors and exhibitors, the Western Adelaide Jobs Expo offers a powerful platform to:

• Promote your brand to a broad and diverse audience.
• Attract and engage talent for current and future opportunities.
• Network with industry peers and community leaders.
• Showcase your commitment to supporting local jobs and workforce growth.

For more information of how to become a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact us.

The first Tunner Boring Machine (TBM) components have arrived by ship at Port Adelaide wharves to support workers in extensive underground drilling work on the North-South Corridor.

In total, three large-scale TBMs, each measuring more than 100 metres long, will be used to construct the twin 4.5km Southern Tunnels and twin 2.2km Northern Tunnels as part of the North-South Corridor.

Key works include diaphragm wall progress and piling for the (TBM) launch box, which will stabilise underground walls. The noise walls on Albert Street, Davenport Terrace, and Frederick Street are complete, with the final Bennett Street panels to finish soon.

TBM launch box works are ongoing day and night until late 2025, with no night works on weekends. Day works occur Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm. Some road modifications along South Road, including signage and signal changes, will cause minimal disruption and be managed carefully.

During construction, some noise, dust, vibration, and temporary traffic changes are expected. The project team will minimise disruption and notify affected residents of any driveway access changes.

For further information about this major project and updates please visit our website.

South Australia’s Government, together with the Federal Government, has announced a $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan to support coastal communities and industries, building on an existing $48 million support package.

Key measures include extended industry support grants, now open until 31 March 2026, offering:

• Up to $10,000 for small businesses affected by algal bloom impacts.
• Up to $100,000 for fisheries and aquaculture licence holders unable to harvest their usual catch.

Businesses that received initial grants may apply for a second grant if they experience a further three-month downturn. An additional $25,000 is available to the hardest hit fisheries businesses to support their workers. Fishing and aquaculture licence fee relief has also been extended until 30 June 2026.

The Plan introduces the Industry Response and Resilience Program, providing grants up to $150,000 to help fisheries and aquaculture businesses invest in resilience-building projects.

Additional initiatives to boost coastal economies include dining cashbacks, travel vouchers, tourism campaigns, support for the recreational fishing industry, and grants for coastal recreational facilities and events promotion.

Scientific research and environmental restoration efforts receive $37.9 million, alongside $16 million for beach safety, community activities, and communication.

Business owners affected by algal bloom impacts are encouraged to apply for grants or seek assistance by contacting the Office for Small and Family Business on 8429 0700 or algalbusinesssupportgrants@sa.gov.au.

For the second time, the City of West Torrens has partnered with the Small Business Commissioner by recommitting to the Small Business Friendly Charter.

By signing the Charter, we publicly affirm our dedication to its three key pillars:

Pillar 1 – Payment terms for small business
We commit to paying small business suppliers according to agreed contract terms, and no later than 15 days from receipt of invoice.

Pillar 2 – Business disputes support
The Charter encourages early resolution of disputes between businesses and customers, including seeking assistance from the Small Business Commissioner where appropriate.

Pillar 3 – Red tape reduction
We will actively work with small businesses via surveys and workshops to identify and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens when engaging with Council.

The Australian Government has committed $25.136 million over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30) to the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions Round 3 grant program. This funding supports service providers delivering affordable, high-quality digital advisory services to small businesses.

The program targets five key digital capabilities:

• Introduction to digitalising your small business.
• Social media, digital marketing and online selling.
• Using business software.
• AI and emerging technologies.
• Cybersecurity and data privacy.

Three grants correspond to defined geographical service areas. South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania form one area, allocated up to $8.946 million over five years. Service providers may apply for one or multiple grants but must submit separate applications for each area and deliver services exclusively within that entire area.

The program emphasises inclusive support tailored to different skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced; and aims to improve access for First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) small business owners.

This initiative offers vital support for West Torrens small businesses seeking to embrace digital tools for growth and competitiveness. For more details or to explore how your business can benefit, please the program website.