Chrissie Swan, Andrew Griffiths and Shark Tank’s Naomi Simson
headline Geelong Small Business Festival

The 2015 Geelong Small Business Festival kicks off this Saturday with Australia’s top business experts ready to share their tricks of the trade.

With more than 40 events and seminars on offer over the entire month of August, small business owners will be given the tools they need to start up a business, develop marketing and social media strategies and strengthen their business plans.

Most events are free or low cost and held after normal business hours to make it easier for business owners to attend.

Expo excites Logan youth about career opportunities

Students from across the City of Logan have explored options for a successful future at the 2015 Youth Careers Expo.

More than 2000 students from 20 schools took a step towards achieving their career goals by attending the annual expo held at the Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday 28 July.

Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton officially opened the event and said it was great to see the enthusiasm of the students who enjoying more than 50 displays and a range of inspiring guest speakers and presentations.

Fee free incentive introduced for community events

Council's Tourism and Events unit has introduced a fee-free incentive for qualifying events within Port Stephens.

To support efforts from members of the community to plan and deliver successful events, and recognise the valuable contribution of community events to the region, Port Stephens Council will waive administration and site fees for events that meet the criteria.

The groups or associations that may qualify for the fee free incentive include not for profit groups, schools, churches, cultural societies, sports groups, neighbourhood associations, community groups and registered charities, and these groups must be located in or conduct the majority of their operations within Port Stephens.

Tourism and Events Coordinator Kim Latham said the fee free incentive is part of Council's efforts to promote and support community events.

Get involved in Local Government Week 2015

Local Government Week will be celebrated in the Hawkesbury from 3 – 9 August 2015.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Kim Ford is encouraging local residents to get involved in this great community event.

‘There are lots of free events and activities planned throughout Local Government Week in the Hawkesbury. I encourage residents to make the most of this program of events and participate in the many opportunities available.’

This year's theme for Local Government week is 'Active All Areas' and reflects the need for councils to engage with various communities which may differ by age, culture and race. It also reflects the need for councils to ensure those communities have physical accessibility and support.