Shortstack: a round up of news, views and opportunities

Women leading locally

Applications are open for the second round of Women Leading Locally, which aims to build gender equality on local councils.

The program is equipping 125 local leaders with the connections and tools to campaign as candidates in the 2024 council elections.

Applications close on April 14. Visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

Nominate your beautiful town

Nominations are open for the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities awards.

There are 10 categories: education, environment, energy, community, litter, EPA waste reduction and prevention, heritage and culture, Indigenous culture, wellbeing and young legend.

Entries close June 18. www.kvb.org.au/

Working with Children check goes digital

You can now apply for and display a digital version of the Working with Children card on the Service Victoria app.

You can easily and securely apply for, update, and renew your clearance through the app – with an application process as robust as ever.

If you are a current clearance-holder and wish to obtain a digital Working with Children Check card, go to service.vic.gov.au or download the app at the App Store or Google Play Store. The Check’s Customer Support Line is open 9.00am – 3.00pm weekdays.

Optus Business Plus Tech Grants

Small businesses are invited to apply for an Optus Business Plus Tech Grant to support the adoption of new technology into their business.

There are $30,000 in tech grants available which then allow business to apply for one of two 1:1 business mentorship opportunities available nationally. 

To enter, eligible businesses simply need to enter their details at www.optus.com.au/content/optus/en/business/optus-business-plus-mentorship-grant-competition.html, and in 50 words or less explain why you need an Optus Business Plus Mentorship Grant.

Open to existing Optus Business customers only.