Helping members to do their job better and easier
For me, one of the most important roles of the Chamber is to make sure our members know about the changes, opportunities and connections that can make a difference to their business, whether that is understanding a regulatory change, finding new markets, accessing funding or simply having the opportunity to sit down with other business leaders and share ideas.
Here are a few things worth having on your radar this month.
Card payment surcharges ending from 1 October.
From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be permitted to surcharge customers for Eftpos, Visa and Mastercard payments, following changes being introduced as part of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s payments reforms.
The change will apply to Australian businesses processing payments through these card networks, regardless of their bank or payment provider.
For many businesses, the practical question will be how to manage the change without unnecessarily putting pressure on margins.
There is no single answer. Businesses may choose to absorb the processing cost, adjust their pricing, or encourage customers towards lower-cost payment methods where appropriate.
The right approach will depend on your margins, customers and pricing model. If you are unsure how the change affects your business, I encourage you to speak with your accountant or bookkeeper and look at the numbers before making any changes.
For businesses using Xero, the technical changes to payment processing are handled automatically.
This is general information only. Businesses should consider how the changes affect their own pricing and payment arrangements and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Funding opportunity for regional innovators
Regional businesses are often doing some of the most innovative work in Australia, and finding new ways to improve productivity, solve local challenges and create opportunities in their communities.
The 2026 Innovate with NBN Grants Program is now open, providing $125,000 in funding across seven categories, including an Innovation for Productivity category.
Category winners will receive $15,000, with a further $20,000 available to the overall 2026 Innovate with NBN Champion.
If you have an idea that is improving the way your business operates or creating a broader social or economic impact, it’s worth taking a look at.
Applications close 12 October 2026. Previous applicants who were unsuccessful are also encouraged to apply again.
Find out more about the Innovate with NBN Grants Program - https://www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program
CEO Roundtable: making leadership less lonely
One of the initiatives I am particularly pleased to see continuing into 2027 is our CEO Roundtable.
Leading an organisation can sometimes be a lonely job. The people making the biggest decisions are often the people with the fewest opportunities to step away from the day-to-day and have candid conversations with peers facing similar challenges.
Now entering its third year, the CEO Roundtable provides a confidential environment for senior leaders to share experiences, challenge thinking and learn from one another.
The conversations extend beyond business, they are also about leadership, our region and the issues affecting the organisations we lead.
If you are considering joining the 2027 Roundtable, I invite you to come along to our complimentary information session on Thursday, 22 October at Chamber House.
You will hear from current participants about their experience and meet facilitator Patrick Warrand, who will outline the 2027 program.
2027 CEO Roundtable Information Session
Thursday, 22 October 2026
5pm–6pm
Chamber House, 15 Stirling Street, Bunbury
Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
CEO Roundtable sessions will be held over breakfast in Bunbury, with selected sessions hosted at participating organisations during the year. Depending on interest, we may also hold a session in Harvey.
If you would like to attend the information session, please email me directly at ceo@bgcci.com.au
Connecting business to major projects
There are also significant opportunities emerging across our region as major projects progress, especially in the renewable energy space.
We are currently in discussions with South Energy regarding supplier opportunities associated with the Benger Solar Farm and expect to provide access to a supplier portal shortly, where you can register your interest. I caught up with the team yesterday and can also share that there is a commitment to support community initiatives that we’re investigating. The project is slated to commence development next year and will provide both solar power generation and battery storage.
If your business would like access to the supplier portal, please contact me directly at ceo@bgcci.com.au and we’ll will make sure you receive the information when the portal becomes available. Also, you’re involved with a footy club or other worthwhile community initiative that may benefit from sponsorship feel free to get in touch.
As always, if there is something you think we should be talking about, I would welcome the conversation.
Movember
With Movember Men’s Health Campaign coming up again soon, workplaces and organisations may like to consider moving beyond posters and deliver men’s health talks in their place of business.
We would like to introduce Dr Lloyd Evans from Man Health who recently delivered a fantastic men’s health talk at Chamber House. As a fellow past 50 years of age myself, it was easily the most informative discussion about my health and wellbeing that I have ever had the privilege of attending.
Dr Lloyd’s talks are engaging rather than a medical lecture, covering the things I think every man should understand about his health; cardiovascular and metabolic disease, cancer screening, mental health, sleep, sexual health, lifestyle and, importantly, being proactive rather than waiting until something goes wrong!
Movember is always a great opportunity to start these conversations, particularly with groups of men who might not otherwise engage much with their health. Feel free to get in touch with Dr Lloyd directly: info@manhealth.com.au
Sean McKeown
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