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Welcome to our business newsletter

As we move further into 2026, it’s inspiring to see the depth of talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy thriving across the MidCoast.

This month, our spotlight shines brightly on the remarkable achievements within our local professional services sector. We extend our warmest congratulations to Austin McFarland Architects and Ian Sercombe Architect for their recent successes at the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards. These accolades highlight the creativity and forward‑thinking approach that defines so many of our local professional, scientific, and technical service businesses.

Across the region, businesses are adapting, learning, and preparing for the year ahead. Whether it’s upcoming changes to workplace legislation, opportunities to strengthen digital capability, key dates for employers, or grants to support community initiatives, this edition brings together valuable updates to help you stay informed and supported.

I encourage you to explore the events, resources, and opportunities featured in this month’s newsletter—from networking through Conversation Connect, to having your say on strategic plans that will shape our region’s future. Together, we continue to build a resilient, connected, and vibrant MidCoast economy.

If you’d like any assistance or would like to discuss opportunities for your business, please reach out to our Economic Development team—we’re here to help.

Keep in touch,
Tanya Lipus
Manager Economic and Destination Development

Local business spotlight

DESIGNING PLACE: OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURE, LOCALLY MADE

A major congratulations is in order for Austin McFarland, the Wingham‑based architecture firm that took out the top prize at the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards. The team swept up multiple honours — including the prestigious Regional Medallion — for their outstanding First Steps Count Child and Community Centre project.

Austin McFarland Architects, led by Russell McFarland and Carolyn (Austin) McFarland, specialise in a wide range of development types. They are dedicated to delivering sustainable and culturally relevant designs that reflect a deep connection to the local environment and community. https://www.austinmcfarland.com.au/

Last month, we also spotlighted more remarkable talent within our professional, scientific, and technical services sector by featuring Ian Sercombe Architect and their inspiring project, Terra Anima, which was shortlisted for these Awards. We are delighted to congratulate the team on receiving commendations in both the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) and Sustainable Architecture categories. https://isarchitect.com.au/

These are outstanding achievements and well‑deserved recognition of the innovation, creativity, and vision thriving within our local communities.

Photo credit: Matthew Carbone

BETTER BUSINESS

PAY DAY SUPER WEBINAR

Tuesday, 17 March 2026  12pm-1pm

Big changes are a foot – are you ready? From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as wages. Want to know how this affects you? Join the Business NSW Pay Day Super webinar for essential guidance on compliance, reporting, and avoiding common pitfalls. REGISTER NOW

https://events.businessnsw.com/pay-day-super/registration/Site/Register#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=9935b9e5-452c-4932-a51d-2b17db3c0300

FUTURE OF BUSINESS – TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT

Tuesday, 17 March 2026  8:30am-2pm

Join Business NSW in Port Macquarie for The Future of Business - Technology Summit, featuring Adam Spencer as keynote speaker and MC. This flagship regional event brings together industry leaders to explore how AI, connectivity and digital capability are reshaping the business landscape.

Register now: https://businessnsw-future-of-business-technology-summit.eventsair.site/

DATES FOR EMPLOYERS TO REMEMBER IN 2026

Employing workers comes with several tax and super obligations to manage throughout the year. Although the year is already well underway, this list can help you prepare and ensure you’re ready for what’s ahead.

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-business-newsroom/key-dates-for-employers-to-remember-in-2026

EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS FOR THE EASTER PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

What! Easter already! That’s right, Easter is approaching quickly. For many businesses, it’s a peak trading period – especially in retail and hospitality – making it essential to understand your employment obligations. 

LOCAL PROJECTS LOCAL BENEFITS

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO HAVE YOUR SAY

Time is running out! The public exhibition periods for the updated MidCoast Economic Development Strategy and the Taree Regional Airport Strategic Plan are closing soon. This is your last chance to review the plans and share your feedback to help shape our region’s future.

MIDCOAST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW

We’ve updated the MidCoast Economic Development Strategy to ensure it continues to align with the region’s strategic objectives for economic development and effectively responds to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, and the evolving needs of our business community. The revised document is currently on public exhibition: View more here

TAREE REGIONAL AIRPORT STRATEGIC PLAN

Focusing on Customer Service, Financial Responsibility, Operational Excellence, and Practical Facilities, the draft Taree Regional Airport Strategic Plan outlines how Taree airport will become financially sustainable and support the MidCoast’s growth as a key base for commercial, emergency and civil defence aircraft. To view the draft plan and make a submission: View more here

CHAMBER NEWS

CONVERSATION CONNECT – Business Forster Tuncurry

Conversation Connect is a relaxed, welcoming networking event designed to bring together local business owners, professionals, and community leaders from across the Forster Tuncurry region.

This monthly meeting provides a space to connect, share ideas, and take part in facilitated conversations around relevant business and community themes.

https://www.ftchamber.com.au/Our-Events

TEAM TAREE

Join Team Taree for their monthly Business Connect event to network, share ideas, and build valuable local relationships. It’s a welcoming opportunity to connect with fellow businesses and strengthen our vibrant Taree community.

https://lovetaree.com.au/

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

2026 TELSTRA CONNECTED COMMUNITIES GRANT

Got a great idea for your community? Grants of up to $10,000 are available for local not-for-profits to boost resilience, sustainability and digital capability in rural and regional Australia. Backing bold, local projects. Hurry – applications close 26 March 2025.

https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/telstra-connected-communities-grants

NSW RURAL ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY – NATURAL DISASTER TRANSPORT SUBSIDY

Thia program aims to provide a subsidy to eligible primary producers and primary production enterprises for the transport of fodder and/or water to a property, stock to/from agistment, stock to sale or slaughter, or bee or oyster movements following a declared natural disaster.

https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/natural-disaster-transport-subsidy