Current News

Due to the international and national context resulting due to Covid-19, and in line with new measures recently announced by the Chilean Government and the Ministry of Health, the decision have been made to postpone the Global Cherry Summit, which had been due to take place on April 23. This decision has been made in order to ensure the wellbeing of the participants and collaborators.

Visit the Global Cherry Summit website for updates...

Check out FAQs on the FWO website to find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations if you’re affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.

Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off- The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million).

Boosting cash flow for employers- Provides $25,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.

Supporting apprentices and trainees- If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.

The Instant Asset Write-Off (IAWO) Threshold- The higher IAWO threshold provides cash flow benefits for businesses that will be able to immediately deduct purchases of eligible assets each costing less than $150,000. The threshold applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write‑off multiple assets.

For more information, you can contact: Paul Henderson from Ausindustry
03 5442 4199 or 0428 360 230, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit the Australian Government Business website for further information...

Novel Coronavirus and Food Safety
Australia is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The Australian Government Department of Health has established a website with up-to-date information on the virus. Visit the Australian Government Department of Health website. 

Visit the Food Standards website for further information...

**With concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) increasing, growers need to take precautions with backpackers coming on to their orchard to work.  Time should be taken to check VISA details online (VEVO) and confirm when and where the backpacker has originated from.   If they have arrived from, or have transited through, China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, travel restrictions/self-isolation may apply. SeeAustralian travel restrictions from the Department of Home Affairs. 

4 Up Skilling are seeking Expressions of Interest from Australian Cherry & Stone Fruit Growers for their staff to attend a nationally accredited AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture training program.

This program has been specifically designed & developed by 4 Up Skilling for cherry & stone fruit industry supervisors & orchard staff, in consultation with industry, Fruit Growers Victoria & Cherry Growers Australia. This is an exciting initiative, offering excellent opportunities for participants!

Download a copy of the Training Overview here...

A copy of the course brochure can be downloaded here..

Sustainability Victoria is offering a competitive grants program to support organisations in Victoria to reduce packaging waste disposed in landfill. This program is for small to medium enterprises, not-for-profits and social enterprises. For more information, eligibility criteria and how to apple, visit the Sustainability Victoria website...