Welcome to the July 2025 edition of West Torrens Business Leaders' News. We’re thrilled to launch the financial year by highlighting a fantastic line-up of initiatives, networking events and mentoring programs designed to support your growth and success. Every edition of our newsletter brings you the freshest updates, valuable resources and new opportunities, ensuring you stay connected and equipped in our thriving business community.

At the City of West Torrens, enabling local prosperity is at the heart of what we do. We're committed to supporting businesses, industries and jobs to drive economic growth and vibrancy right across our region.

As part of our ongoing efforts, we encourage you to explore the Help for Business information on our website. It offers a range of advice and resources tailored to help businesses of all sizes thrive in a competitive environment.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and working alongside you!

On 28 May 2025, the City of West Torrens held a Business Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel to update local businesses on the progress and potential impacts of the Torrens to Darlington Project. The event offered business owners and operators the opportunity to hear directly from project representatives from the North - South Corridor Program Delivery Office and the Alliance General Manager, T2D Alliance about upcoming works, project timelines, and the measures being implemented to support the local business community during the construction period. The session also encouraged open dialogue, providing a platform for attendees to ask questions and raise concerns about access, operations, and the broader effects on trading.

The City of West Torrens recognises the significant role local businesses play in the community and is committed to keeping you updated on infrastructure projects that may affect you. By offering briefings such as this business breakfast, Council aims to ensure businesses are well-prepared for any upcoming changes. The collaborative approach adopted at the event demonstrated Council’s ongoing commitment to transparency and support for the business sector as the Torrens to Darlington Project progresses.

Visit our Torrens to Darlington webpage to learn more and subscribe to be notified with project updates.

Connect with local business leaders at the next Business Builders Networking Drinks, to be held at Ambra Spirits Distillery Bar & Spirits on Monday 4 August. Enjoy great company, share ideas, and build meaningful connections while hearing from engaging speakers.

This August, we welcome Oliver Brown, CEO of The Big Easy Group—behind Adelaide favourites like NOLA, La Louisiane, Anchovy Bandit and Tarantino’s. Oliver will share an honest conversation about creative ambition, making tough business decisions, and knowing when to hold on or move forward.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from leaders who have navigated change and challenge. Whether you’re facing a big decision or want to meet others on a similar journey, we’d love to see you there. Reserve your spot here.

Buy SA Week is returning from 28 July to 3 August!

Mark Buy SA Week 2025 in your marketing plans and explore how you can take part, run tastings, offer special deals, or launch competitions. Join this state-wide initiative to promote your business, connect with new customers, and highlight the best of South Australia.

Brand South Australia invites all SA businesses to register for the State Brand, it's free, quick, and a great way to tap into strong local support. Subscribe to the Brand SA newsletter to stay updated and apply to use the State Brand.

Want to improve your skills in business planning, finances, record keeping, tax and super management? Or just understand what you need to know to help your business succeed?

Essentials to strengthen your small business is a free, online learning platform where you can upskill in those critical areas. It includes 30+ short, free courses in record keeping, cash flow, deductions, GST, super and more. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is hosting a series of Masterclasses over the coming months to help you understand what you need to know to run a business, and tips to help you succeed. Register here for one of the masterclasses.

In March the City of West Torrens in partnership with Be Well Co and with the support of the Office for Small & Family Business, delivered a workshop about Psychosocial hazards with a twist for small business leaders.

Be Well Co has been proudly delivering mental health training programs for small and family businesses through their grant from the SA Office for Small and Family Business. Thanks to this support, they are able to continue offering our programs at no cost to businesses like yours.

We encourage you and your team to take advantage of the upcoming workshops.

• Wellbeing Habits for Small Business Staff | A 60-minute virtual masterclass for anyone working in a small business. Thursday 28^th August & Monday 8^th September
• Psychosocial Hazards with a Twist (for Leaders) | A 90-minute virtual session designed specifically for small business owners and team leaders. Tuesday 26^th August & Wednesday 17^th September
• Be Well Foundations | A full-day, in-person deep dive into mental health and wellbeing. Friday 22^nd August & Tuesday 2^nd September (Please note: this session is in person only and currently held at the Republic Hotel, Adelaide)

The ‘Psychosocial hazards with a twist’ workshop is a 90-minute masterclass aimed at small business leaders who want to develop an understanding of the newly introduced psychosocial risk regulations. Within the session leaders develop a better understanding of the implications of the new regulation on their business and how business leaders can use their company’s values to take positive action tailored towards your organisation’s specific needs. It includes reflective activities and the opportunity to experiment with practical activities shown to improve wellbeing.

Would you be interested in attending?
You can sign up via the links above or via the website, or simply contact Be Well Co by email to Nicole.Simonsen@bewellco.io

The Women in Business Program, proudly supported by the Government of South Australia, offers tailored opportunities and resources to help women advance their business ambitions, build networks and access expert support. Whether you are starting out, growing an enterprise, or seeking targeted advice, the program delivers workshops, mentorship, grants, and events designed to empower women at every stage of their business journey.

This initiative aims to foster an inclusive business environment, boost confidence and open doors to greater economic participation for women across South Australia. If you are interested in learning more or want to explore current opportunities available through the program, visit the Women in Business Program page.

Local businesses impacted by the recent harmful algal bloom can now access significant support, thanks to a state and Commonwealth-funded $28 million response package. This includes dedicated Small Business Support Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses, as well as access to financial counselling, mental health support, workforce advice and direct payments to help navigate recovery and build resilience. Community and clean-up funding is also available, with $1 million allocated for beach restoration and a $3 million Community Fund to support activities and projects in affected areas.

In addition, investments are being made in science and research, such as a new $2 million algae testing lab in South Australia and $8.5 million for early detection and water testing, alongside fish stock studies and a comprehensive response plan for future events. The Adelaide Coastal Councils Network, with City of West Torrens representation, continues to advocate for the needs of local tourism and business operators and is working closely with the newly established Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group.

For the latest details or to register for updates, visit the SA Government's algal bloom information page or see the latest West Torrens algal bloom update. Businesses are also encouraged to reach out to Council for ongoing advice and representation.

Starting 1 January 2026, new South Australian legislation will mandate Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in certain government, commercial, and privately owned facilities, with non-compliance penalties up to $20,000. The SA Business Chamber, in collaboration with St John Ambulance, is offering a free information session on to help businesses understand these requirements and ensure compliance. For more information please visit the South Australia Business Chamber website.

Effective 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage in Australia will increase by 3.5% to $948 per week or $24.95 per hour. This adjustment also applies to award minimum wages, which will rise by the same percentage. The increase takes effect from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025.

Additionally, the Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) has been updated to reflect these new rates. Employers are legally required to provide the most recent FWIS to every new employee either before they commence work or as soon as possible thereafter. This obligation is stipulated under the Fair Work Act 2009, and failure to comply may result in penalties.

Employers should ensure their payroll systems are updated to accommodate these changes and that all new employees receive the updated FWIS in a timely manner.

For more information and support visit:

• The SA Business Chamber website
• The Fair Work OMBUDSMAN website

Registrations are now open for Small Business Week 2025; a state-wide celebration designed to support and inspire South Australia’s small business community. The program features a mix of free in-person and online events, including workshops, webinars, expert panels and networking sessions—covering essential topics like business capability, digital strategy and workforce planning.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to scale, you’ll have the flexibility to access live events or on-demand content throughout the week, with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and connect with peers. Explore the full program and register now to take your next business step.

For more than 26 years, Adelaide Business Hub has supported over 8,000 South Australian businesses, helping ideas turn into successful enterprises. As they look to the future, Adelaide Business Hub is shifting focus to deliver resources and services that offer the greatest impact across the state. Moving beyond the incubator model, they are expanding support to reach even more small businesses. Adelaide Business Hub provides accessible, practical solutions that empower South Australian businesses to grow. Visit their website, for more information.

The Government of South Australia is helping skilled migrants connect with local networks and employment opportunities. Skilled migrants offer a valuable mix of skills, knowledge and perspectives, which can help address workforce shortages and boost South Australia’s economy. The Skilled Migration Talent and Industry Connection program links skilled migrants to jobs and networks that match their experience and qualifications. The program will be offered across metropolitan Adelaide and regional areas, delivered by six partner organisations. Click here for more information.

Submissions are now open for the 2025 South Australian Business Index, and businesses of all sizes are invited to take part. This annual initiative aims to showcase and celebrate the top-performing companies across the state, while providing key insights into South Australia’s business landscape. The Business Index, compiled by InDaily in partnership with HLB Mann Judd, is recognised as South Australia’s most reputable ranking of the state’s leading private and public companies, underpinned by independent research.

Participating in the Index is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to benchmark their progress, contribute to a broader understanding of our state’s economic strengths, and gain exposure among industry peers. Submissions close on Sunday, 17 August 2025. To find out more or to submit your business, visit the South Australian Business Index website.

Adelaide has recently been recognised as one of Australia’s top three cities for launching a business in 2025, according to a national study undertaken by the software company Reckon. The study evaluated Australia's top 50 most populated cities to determine the best locations for starting a business in 2025. Adelaide was ranked third nationally, surpassing cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. The assessment considered 17 key indicators across four categories: talent pool, business landscape, internet speed, and cost of living. Adelaide excelled particularly in its business landscape, scoring 92.18—the highest in the country.

The past twelve months have seen local business registrations rise from 12,145 in June 2024 to 12,957 by June 2025. This growth highlights ongoing economic confidence and the resilience of our business community. Steady investment enquiries also reflect keen interest in doing business within the region.