Business News - Issue 21, February 2016

Local partnership delivers discounts to businesses on solar energy systems

Council’s award winning Switch Your Thinking program has joined forces with Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, Clean NRG, to offer businesses discounts when installing roof top PV solar energy systems. 

Solar energy systems have never been so affordable with the price dropping 70% since 2010 and current Federal Government incentives (Small-scale Technology Credits) returning approximately 30% of the total cost to the buyer.

Businesses can receive a 20% discount when purchasing a system from Clean NRG.

To date only 1% of businesses have installed solar. Considering many businesses pay more for their power and use more during the day, the return on investment can be very attractive. The money businesses save by installing solar can pay for the system in less than three years.

The City is proud to help the community to save money, reduce emissions and combat climate change. For more information click here.

Enterprise Development Program

In conjunction with Business Foundations and Business Armadale, the City’s Enterprise Development Program is aimed at engaging the business community through a range of workshops and networking.

There are 3958 businesses which currently operate within the City, 2651 of which are micro-businesses. The program is designed to assist these businesses and their owners – to give them the know-how to unlock the true potential of their business.

To register contact Business Foundations on 9336 8000, or to find more information click here.

Business Armadale

As we move into 2016 Business Armadale are reviewing ways they can assist their members to reach their potential and support them in their endeavours. They are committed to ensuring members are successful and contribute to the future growth and prosperity of businesses and the region.

The Business Armadale Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 March. Visit www.businessarmadale.com.au for details.

We would like to encourage businesses to investigate the possibilities available through the Industry Skills Fund. For details click here.

Non-members are welcome to attend any Business Armadale events. If you would like to know more about Business Armadale and their events, click here.

Kelmscott Library re-opens in new premises

The Kelmscott Library has been relocated to the Stargate Shopping Centre, 2784 Albany Highway Kelmscott.

The new library layout has created flexible spaces suitable for community and business use.

The library now includes WIFI access, meeting rooms with AV facilities, public access computers and a new café space, equipped with a self-service coffee machine, ideal for training sessions, meetings and presentations.

To find out more about the library contact 9394 5810 or email kms@armadale.wa.gov.au.

nbn Industry Workforce Program - an nbn community initiative

The nbn is driving a significant technical skills training program in the Australian telecommunications industry, aiming to create an industry-based, sustainable, and multi-technology capable workforce in cooperation with our Delivery Partners.

To build, operate and maintain the nbn™ network, we estimate the skilled workforce available to our Delivery Partners may need to increase by more than 4,500 roles – almost doubling the current external workforce actively engaged on the nbn™ project.

The Program

The Industry Workforce Development Program includes the following key activities:

• Facilitating recruitment with our Delivery Partners – referring candidates who complete an expression of interest to work on the nbn™ network to our Delivery Partners for their consideration and recruitment
• Technical skills training – subsidised training pathways for individuals to gain the skills needed to work on the nbn™ network in key occupations
• Accreditation – ensuring that all individuals working on the nbn™ network are accredited for nbn mandated health and safety requirements

How does it work - for full details on how the program works click here.

Armadale Visitor Centre

The Armadale Visitor Centre provides information on upcoming events, tours, accommodation, restaurants, tourist venues and natural attractions in the region both over the counter and through our website. Our friendly staff and volunteers provide helpful advice and take care of all bookings.

The Bert Tyler Museum and Armadale Outpost Telegraphic Centre is also incorporated in the same building – free entry for all visitors. The Centre compiles books for trails (walk and ride) local maps, interpretive literature and provides pop-up sat various markets in the region including Araluen Botanic Gardens during the “Spring into Armadale” promotion.

The Centre can also assist with:

• Free state-wide brochures
• Local maps
• Local craft and souvenirs
• Agents for Ticketmaster and Ticketek

Opening hours are between 9am and 4pm on weekdays and between 11am and 4pm on weekends.