Open for Business eNews - October 2025

eNews October 2025

Welcome to the October edition of Open for Business!

This month we’re shining a light on local excellence and hands-on opportunities; celebrating our Marion Business Awards and Citizen of the Year nominees, sharing fresh support for businesses (including guidance around algal bloom impacts), and spotlighting community favourites like Touch a Truck and our upcoming Jobs Expo.

There’s plenty inside to help you connect, learn, and take the next step, without spoiling the surprises.

As always, our team is here to support you and your business - reach out to us any time at business@marion.sa.gov.au. We’re here to help!

Have a wonderful month ahead, the City of Marion Business Team.

2025 Marion Business Awards

The Marion Business Awards are well underway, with strong engagement from our local business community. All nominated businesses have now been contacted and invited to take part in the program, and we are excited to share that the awards have officially moved into the submission stage.

The next phase of the program will give the public a chance to get involved. Public voting will open in October, providing residents with the opportunity to support their favourite local businesses and help shine a light on the people and organisations making a difference in the City of Marion.

The Marion Business Awards celebrate innovation, resilience, and community spirit, and we look forward to showcasing the outstanding talent and dedication of our local businesses as the program continues. We look forward to sharing the winners in future editions.

Citizen of the Year Awards

The City of Marion Citizen of the Year Awards recognises Marion’s community achievers.

Do you know someone making a real difference in our community? Nominate them for an award today. The awards pay tribute to individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to our community.

They also recognise contributions made over a number of years. Areas of service can include education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts and the environment.

Winners of each category will be announced at the Citizen of the Year Awards celebration in early January. All nominees will be invited to attend and will receive a certificate.

Nominate a worthy recipient here: Citizen of the Year Awards | City of Marion

Build Big. Bid Smart. 

In partnership with the City of Charles Sturt and City of Port Adelaide Enfield, the City of Marion is collaborating on a $250 million, three-year capital works program (2025–2028).

In a South Australian first, a single Expression of Interest (EOI) will streamline access for construction businesses of all sizes to tender for major infrastructure works including parks and reserves, sporting stadiums and community facilities, aiming to simplify procurement, boost value, and improve access to local government projects across the region. For more information visit https://www.marion.sa.gov.au/build

Expressions of interest now open! 

Review the EOI details and submit your expression of interest via the South Australian Tenders & Contracts website. Apply now.

New labelling requirements - March 2026

The new South Australian labelling requirements for Australian Standard (AS) certified compostable food and beverage containers and their lids will come into effect from 1 March 2026.

For AS certified compostable containers to be exempt under the South Australian regulations, the containers and their lids must be: ‘Clearly labelled as, or otherwise marked in a manner that indicates that the product is either home compostable and/or industrially compostable’.

Also from 1 March 2026, the exemption for compostable containers with international certifications other than AS 4736 (Industrial Composting) and AS 5810 (Home Composting) will expire.

This means that from 1 March 2026, to be compliant under the South Australian regulations all compostable food or beverage containers and their lids, must be AS certified and clearly labelled. Products may have multiple certifications, however one of these must be AS.

A new guide is available to assist suppliers and businesses understand the labelling requirements. Learn more.

Adelaide South Jobs and Careers Expo

The Adelaide South Jobs and Careers Expo is fast approaching, offering a chance to explore employment and training opportunities across a variety of industries.

The expo has been designed to allow local candidates to explore career pathways and understand more about training requirements and opportunities in your industry.

You will have the chance to promote your vacancies on the Jobs Board , participate in Employment Panels or host a specific Workshop. Exhibitors are encouraged to consider activities and interactive displays that best showcase your opportunities.

When: Wednesday 15 October 2025, 10am - 2:30pm

Where: Morphettville Racecourse, 79 Morphett Road, Morphettville SA 5043

Are you an employer and would like to exhibit? Register here. Or for more information contact Christopher Nugent .

Are you a job seeker? Register to attend here.

Dog businesses and stallholders – this one’s for you!

We’re sniffing out expressions of interest for Woofstock, our flower-power inspired festival for dogs and their humans, coming to Hazelmere Reserve on Saturday 22 November.

We want to hear from:

• Market stallholders
• Dog-related businesses and services

Whether you offer dog treats, accessories, grooming, training services or unique products and experiences for dog lovers, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business and we’d love to hear from you!

Expressions of Interest are open until 20 October 2025. 

Real Jobs, Real Wages

Are you looking for entry-level staff? Real Jobs, Real Wages is a government pilot that aims to provide free support to employers who are looking to grow their workforce.  Real Jobs, Real Wages can assist employers with:  

• advice and resources to support inclusive recruitment  
• connection to potential candidates across Australia  
• financial incentives  

Eligibility: Businesses must have an ongoing vacancy, which can include an apprenticeship or traineeship, and can hire part-time or full-time and scale up hours as needed. 

Financial Support Available:

Wage Subsidy (over 6 months):

• $10,000 for 20+ hours/week
• $7,000 for less than 20 hours/week

Secure Work Payment (after 12 months):

• $5,000 for 20+ hours/week
• $3,000 for less than 20 hours/week

To find out more about the program eligibility and how your business can benefit, email rjrw@dewr.gov.au or contact Employer Liaison Officer, Sharon Clarke on 0402 029 002 to discuss in further detail.

Rural Business Support for Algal Bloom Impacted businesses

Has your cash flow been impacted by harmful algal bloom? Need a hand with your business finances or debt? Rural Business Support offers a free, independent and confidential service, funded by the Office for Small and Family Business, for eligible small and family-owned businesses impacted by the ongoing harmful algal bloom in South Australia. 

Business Financial Counsellors can support you to:

• understand your financial position
• navigate financial issues
• identify options for their business
• develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments
• access dispute resolution services
• consider succession pathways
• seek broader professional advice and support
• access government and community grants, programs or schemes.

For more information please visit ruralbusinesssupport.org.au or call 1800 836 211.

Callout for Young Participants – Pocket Money Project

South Australian artist Emmaline Zanelli is looking for young people who are currently in their first paid job to take part in a new moving image project called Pocket Money. This project playfully and sincerely explores the experience of first-time employment, for presentation at a major South Australian arts institution in 2026.

Participants will be paid for their time, and filming sessions will be scheduled flexibly to work around their availability. They will have the opportunity to see aspects of their lives included in an artwork presented at one of South Australia’s most significant cultural institutions. They will also be credited for their contribution in the artwork credits and any relevant publications. Filming for Pocket Money will take place between late September and November 2025.

Learn about Pocket Money here.

Business Discovery Sessions

Whether you're a small start-up, a growing enterprise, or an established local operator, these sessions are your opportunity to explore how Council can support your goals. From navigating permits and planning, to accessing grants, networking opportunities, precinct activations, or promoting your business through local channels – we’re here to listen, collaborate, and provide practical guidance.

Book your free Discovery Session today and let’s work together to grow a vibrant, connected, and resilient local economy.

Book free support for your business through the Southern Business Mentoring Program.

The Southern Business Mentoring Program provides our local businesses the opportunity to access a range of business advice through our program mentors.  All eligible businesses are entitled to eleven hours of support through the Southern Business Mentoring Program. Each business can book one free appointment with our ten advisors:

General Business - Amanda Wood and Rex Alexander

Digital Marketing - Belinda Bracale and Fiona Blinco

Business Wellbeing - Donna Adams

HR & WHS - Cassie Manser

Grants, Tenders and Procurement - Kendall Richardson (FCIPS)

Tourism - Alex Brown

Retail - Joanna Arhontis

Cyber Security - Justin Porter

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