Resources and information for small business during COVID-19

• Support public health authorities with contact tracing as directed.
• Advise staff, visitors, contractors and customers of the general situation via posters, letters or other communication channels as appropriate and in partnership with health authorities.
• Implement infection control measures as directed by public health authorities.

Business don’t necessarily need to close following detection of a confirmed case on the premises.

Closure depends on a few things:

• Public health risk assessment undertaken by the Public Health Unit.
• Premises must be appropriately cleaned following attendance of a confirmed case. This can be done overnight so as not to disrupt normal business hours.
• If staff are identified as close contacts and need to self-isolate, the business may not have enough staff to remain operational.
• Timing of the notification. If premises are notified during business hours, they may need to close to undertake cleaning.

All areas that came into contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 should be cleaned and disinfected.

For hard surfaces, either:

• Use detergent and water for cleaning followed by disinfectant solution (2-step clean).
• Use a combined detergent and disinfectant solution (2-in-1 clean).

NSW Health does not require a specialist cleaning company to be used. 

We will waive all unpaid outdoor dining and goods on display application and licensing fees until 31 December 2021.

For details, please contact our customer service team on 02 8757 9000 or email council@cumberland@nsw.gov.au.

We will implement rent deferral and relief arrangements on a case by case basis for commercial lessees impacted by COVID-19 who operate out of a Council owned facility.

For details, please contact our Senior property and leasing transaction officer on 02 8757 9495 or email hope.lupeli@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

For casual hire bookings of council sporting venues or facilities, we will refund any bookings that cannot go ahead due to the NSW Public Health Order.

For details, please contact our customer service team on 02 8757 9000 or email council@cumberland@nsw.gov.au.

The Mayor will also write to our local State Members of Parliament, seeking their strong support and advocacy for local businesses and the community during this difficult time. This includes advocating for grants and stimulus packages for local businesses.

We are here for our residents and our local businesses, and I encourage all affected by COVID-19 to contact us on 02 8757 9000 or visit our dedicated COVID-19 page to see how our services have been impacted.

We’ve proven we’re a strong and resilient community and we will come through this again as we did before.

Visit Employ Local

Cumberland City Council encourages local businesses to take advantage of this service and advertise your vacant positions, free of charge on our Employ Local page to attract local jobseekers.

Please use our easy to fill out Local Employment Opportunity Submission Form to add any vacancies you may have.

If you are looking for work check out our Employ Local page to see jobs on offer from local businesses in the Cumberland Council area.

Free business webinars, from digital marketing to legal matters, our practical business webinars provide key information and useful hints and tips. For details, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/local-business-webinars

One-on-one Business Advisory Services will continue through webinar and video. For details, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/one-one-business-advisory

If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for up to $10,000 in grants from late July 2021.

For details visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/2021-covid-19-business-grant-guidelines

If you are a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate.

The NSW Government has announced that the small business fees and charges rebate will increase from $1,500 to $2,000. In addition, road user tolls for business vehicles will be added as an eligible fee for businesses to claim. 

Find out more and apply

If you need to self-isolate and are unable to work while waiting for your coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, you may be eligible for the NSW Governments, COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment. 

Find out more and apply

The NSW Government has announced support for hospitality and retail businesses to manage stock if they are forced to close their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022, due to a public health order.

View the media release for eligibility and details

Eligible small businesses can apply for up to $500 cash rebate when they buy and install equipment to make their workplace safer and also attend a SafeWork NSW webinar.

Find out more

The NSW Government is working with councils to support communities across the state in response to COVID-19. There is a list of Ministerial orders currently in force including

• Extended days for construction work
• Flexibility for food trucks and dark kitchens
• Temporary workers accommodation
• Retail trading and operating hours and waste disposal
• Home businesses operating hours
• Supermarkets and other retail outlets can receive deliveries 24 hours a day

The list will be updated progressively. For details please visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/COVID19-response

NSW Government has put together COVID-19 Safety Plans help to protect the staff, customers and visitors of your business.

Some businesses will need to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the public health orders, but you can also voluntarily complete one. To find out if you need to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan, visit the Service NSW website.

Mediation help with rent, retail leases and talking to your agent or landlord.

The Mediation Services of NSW Office of Small Business Commissioner offers mediation services, along with negotiation and procedural advice, to assist in the resolution of small business and retail lease disputes.

Businesses are encouraged to speak frankly with the landlord/contractor about rent and retail lease matters. If after discussion you require further advice, you can contact the NSW Office of Small Business Commissioner’s regarding their mediation services on 1300 795 534 or submit an online inquiry via www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/contact 

The mediation service is provided to small businesses experiencing commercial disputes, assisting at any stage of a dispute, helping those involved to address key issues and find solutions.

Restrictions and advice is continuously updated to reflect changing public health advice.

Keep up to date on the latest rules for business operations.

You can download and print signs and posters to display around your premises. These will help remind staff, customers and visitors of the risks of COVID-19 and how everyone can stop its spread.

Resources available from: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/industry-guidelines/posters-and-signage-for-business

Find out multilingual resources about mental health including free online training to support workplace mental health, visit https://www.mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au/mental-health-at-work-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

Maintain your utility bills under control finding the most money-saving energy providers and by understanding the plans, bills and rights.

Visit: https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/

The Australian Banking Association has announced further support for customers affected by continuing COVID-19 lockdowns or those recovering from recent lockdowns.

For details visit https://www.ausbanking.org.au/australian-banks-offer-covid-19-customer-relief/

Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre to see the guide developed to help small and micro businesses adapt to working during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Resources to use and share to stay mentally healthy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• Beyond Blue – Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• Australian Psychological Society – Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety
• Headspace – How to cope with stress related to coronavirus (COVID-19
• Black Dog Institute - Coronavirus Anxiety Resources
• Smiling Mind – Supporting yourself and others through Coronavirus
• HeadsUp- Small Business mental health for employers and employees
• WayAhead workplaces