Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce

23/06/2026

Today the Queensland Budget was handed down in State Parliament, with Chamber Vice President Petrea George invited to attend the stakeholder briefing and hear the Treasurer deliver the Budget Speech in the Chamber.

Thank you to the Honourable Fiona Simpson MP, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism for the opportunity to be part of the day’s proceedings.

The Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce is proud to have delivered the EmpowerHer program through funding from the Queensland Government Empowering Queensland Women initiative.

With our next EmpowerHer workshop taking place next week, we’re continuing to support local women in business through financial literacy, confidence and capability building.

It was also a great opportunity to connect with fellow stakeholders and meet with Premier David Crisafulli MP and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington MP.

23/06/2026

Following the great response to our first session, we’re excited to invite you to our second Cash Flow Confidence & Forecasting Workshop hosted by the Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce.

This practical workshop is designed to help business owners better understand their cash flow, plan ahead with confidence, and make smarter financial decisions.
Workshop details
Date: 1 July 2026
Time: 9.00 AM – 12.00 PM
Location: Hotel Settlers

What we’ll cover
Cash flow basics
Simple forecasting
Planning for tax and expenses
Managing cash flow risks
Making better financial decisions

Whether you attended the first workshop or are joining us for the first time, this session will provide practical tips and tools you can apply straight away in your business.

Register now

Simply scan the QR code on the flyer or click on this link https://www.trybooking.com/DMZSN

We’d love to see you there!

12/06/2026

CQ Regional Water Assessment (CQRWA) report that has just been released by Dept of Local Gov & Water.

Key items proposed for Banana Shire:
· Permanent access to part of the 90,000ML Dawson Valley Strategic Water Infrastructure Reserve (currently temporary access) for irrigated cotton and broadacre cropping
· Potential Nathan Weir Development – proposed 27,161 ML storage (to service Dawson Valley cotton, broad acre cropping & potential Western Downs Feedlot)
· Awoonga to Callide Pipeline – investigation of opportunities for additional surface water if groundwater is unviable due to PFAS contamination

The report is currently out for public consultation (closes Friday 10 July). There will be community drop-in sessions in June for landholders and community members to provide feedback.

Have your say
https://www.centralqueenslandwaterassessment.com.au/how-have-your-say
· Moura Drop-in Session Wednesday 24 June 10:00am-12:00pm Moura Library, 28 Gillespie Street, Moura QLD 4718
· Feedback Form
Feedback Form | Have your say | https://www.centralqueenslandwaterassessment.com.au/how-have-your-say/feedback-form
· Online Forum 1 - Wednesday 10 June 5:30pm-7:00pm
· Online Forum 2 - Tuesday 30 June 10:00am-11:30am

https://www.centralqueenslandwaterassessment.com.au/how-have-your-say/online-forum-registration

06/06/2026

📣 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

🌐 Website Refresh & Redevelopment Services

The Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified web designers and developers to refresh and modernise two of our existing websites:

🔹 callidedawsonchamber.com.au
🔹 biloela.net

We are looking for practical, affordable solutions that will:

✔ Improve design and presentation
✔ Enhance mobile responsiveness
✔ Improve user experience and navigation
✔ Increase visibility in search engines
✔ Strengthen engagement with businesses, visitors and the community
✔ Remain easy for Chamber representatives to manage and update

Applicants may propose improvements within Google Sites or recommend an alternative platform, provided ongoing costs and maintenance requirements are clearly outlined.

📅 EOI Closing Date: 15 June 2026

📧 Submit EOI responses to:
[email protected]

📞 Enquiries:
Shari – 0497 045 292

We encourage submissions from local and regional providers and look forward to receiving your ideas.

02/06/2026

📢 Business Owners & Employers

The Fair Work Commission has announced an increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages, with changes taking effect from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
https://updates.fairwork.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6a1e7ded05df3102Pzzzz6049e18ada504818/page.html

If you employ staff, it's worth taking some time now to understand how these changes may affect your business and payroll obligations.
https://updates.fairwork.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6a1e7ded07051300Pzzzz6049e18ada504818/page.html

The updated pay rates and resources will be released closer to 1 July, but businesses can start preparing by checking which awards apply to their employees and reviewing their current wage arrangements.
https://updates.fairwork.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6a1e7ded08850886Pzzzz6049e18ada504818/page.html

Minimum wages in Australia depend on the industry or job a person works in. Calculate minimum wages here.

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

✨ Last night, the Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 2026 Rebel FM Business Stars Awards.

With close to 100 people in the room and over 1500 votes across all categories, members, finalists, business owners, and distinguished guests came together for an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible businesses that make our region thrive.

The Business Stars Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication, innovation, and community spirit that exists across our local business community. It was a fantastic night of connection, celebration, and acknowledging the people behind the businesses that contribute so much to the Callide region.

A special thank you to Banana Shire Council CEO Tom Upton and Member for Callide Bryson Head MP for sharing their words on the night and highlighting the importance of a strong and vibrant local business community.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to John Sheppard, who did a fantastic job as MC, bringing energy and humour to the evening.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended, voted, sponsored, and supported this year's awards. Your support helps us continue shining a light on the outstanding businesses that make our community such a great place to live, work, and do business.

Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. 🌟
Please see our finalists and winners below

EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY WINNER - sponsored by Birdie and Lace Boutique
🏆 BILOELA HOTEL

Finalists
⭐️Biloela Anzac Club
⭐️Biloela Bowls Club
⭐️Commercial Hotel
⭐️Hotel Settlers
⭐️Kilburnie Homestead
⭐️Qld Heritage Park

EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY WINNER sponsored by Komatsu
🏆First Grade Contract Maintenance

Finalists Industry
⭐️Biloela Plumbing Works
⭐️Callide Manufacturing Company
⭐️CS Energy
⭐️Farm and Garden Products Biloela
⭐️Lee Crane Hire
⭐️Offset Tilt Trays Pty Ltd

EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL WINNER (three way win) sponsored by McConaghy Group
🏆 Little Market Co, BMAS, Birdie and Lace Boutique

Finalists Retail
⭐️Biloela Florist
⭐️Biloela Post Office & Tech Support
⭐️Callide Manufacturing Company
⭐️DJ's Steel & Concrete
⭐️Farm and Garden Products Biloela
⭐️Ironbark Promotions
⭐️Paper Shop
⭐️Steve's Barber Shop
⭐️Vicious2Delicious

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE WINNER sponsored by Biloela Betta
🏆Biloela Vet Services (Dr Sandy's Mobile Vet Services)

Finalists Service
⭐️Biloela Mind Body & Soul
⭐️Birdie and Lace Boutique
⭐️BMAS Biloela
⭐️Callide Manufacturing Company
⭐️Callide Valley Driving School
⭐️DJ's Steel & Concrete
⭐️Dreamlife PT & Nutrition
⭐️Farm and Garden Products Biloela
⭐️First Grade Contract Maintenance
⭐️The Rabbit Hole Coffee Cafe
⭐️Vicious2Delicious

EXCELLENCE IN AGRIBUSINESS WINNER sponsored by BMAS Biloela
🏆BMAS

Finalists Agribusiness
⭐️Callide Manufacturing Company
⭐️Callide Valley Mower Service
⭐️DJ's Steel & Concrete
⭐️Farm and Garden Products Biloela
⭐️Grow Agribusiness
⭐️Valentine Plains Seeds & Grains

JUNIOR WINNER sponsored by Callide Valley Driving School
🏆JAKE SAUER - FGCM

Finalists Junior
⭐️Chloe Thornton - Nurture Early Learning Centre
⭐️Felicia Byrne - Indi Collective
⭐️Miranda Schloss - BMAS Biloela

PEOPLES CHOICE WINNER sponsored by CS Energy
🏆Callide Manufacturing Company

Finalists Peoples Choice
⭐️Biloela Hotel
⭐️BMAS Biloela
⭐️Farm and Garden Products Biloela
⭐️First Grade Contract Maintenance

29/05/2026

🍟 Opportunity coming to Biloela!

A new McDonald’s development, valued at approximately $4–5 million, is currently out to tender, creating potential opportunities for local businesses, trades and suppliers.

Projects like this help drive investment, jobs and economic growth across our region.

Tender opportunities are open now, with quotes closing 17 June 2026.

It’s exciting to see continued investment in the Banana Shire and the opportunities it can bring for our local business community. 👏

https://estimateone.com/project/mcdonalds-biloela-new-store/

Home / McDonalds Biloela (New Store) Tender McDonalds Biloela (New Store) Project: Live New Quote Job About this project McDonalds Biloela (New Store) is a retail project based in Biloela QLD within the Commercial sector. The project has an approximate budget of $4m - $5m. Quotes are closing 17th of...

25/05/2026

19/05/2026

BIG opportunity for local business 👏

Edify are hosting their Principal Contractor Announcement, at the Biloela Hotel — a key event for businesses wanting to hear firsthand about upcoming opportunities, project delivery and contractor engagement.

📍 Biloela Hotel
📅 Thursday 4 June
🕠 From 5:30pm

This event is not only a great chance to gain project insights and industry updates, but also an excellent opportunity to network with fellow local businesses, strengthen relationships and make valuable new connections across the region. The evening will include information about:
• Project update
• Local procurement and job opportunities
• Community Benefits Funding
• Community feedback

Whether you are looking for future work opportunities, partnerships and referrals, a local community group or interested in connecting with the wider business community, this is a worthwhile evening to attend.

Light food and refreshments provided.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1585234