Training and events

Our shire and government agencies offer a range of training, workshops and events. Check out the tabs below for more information.

Safer Business Initiative - 21 September 2026

The Safer Business Initiative is a free community-led, pilot program working to prevent aggression and violence in customer-facing businesses.

Workplace aggression and violence is an increasing concern for many customer-facing businesses.

Workers in licensed premises, retail, hospitality, community services, local government and other public-facing roles are increasingly exposed to verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, intimidation and, in some cases, physical violence.

The Safer Business Initiative free training will provide local businesses with practical knowledge and solutions that can create safer workplaces, reduce alcohol-related harm and strengthen community confidence.

Join this engaging and practical training designed to help you:

  • increase awareness of workplace aggression and violence risks
  • understand why incidents occur
  • understand early warning signs and risk factors
  • improve understanding of employer responsibilities under occupational health and safety legislation
  • learn practical prevention and de-escalation strategies
  • showcase innovative solutions to assist businesses improve worker safety
  • support workers following an incident.

Businesses are invited to express their interest in becoming a case study that will receive support to strengthen systems to prevent workplace aggression and violence.

This training is facilitated by Victoria Beresford from Trust Culture, former NSW Police Inspector and workplace aggression and violence specialist.

When: 11am to 12.30pm, Monday 21 September
Where: Phee Broadway Theatre, 212 Barker Street, Castlemaine
Cost: Free
Bookings required: Book at Humanitix.

This training is hosted by Mount Alexander Shire Council and funded by VicHealth.

Virtual Mentoring Sessions

Business Victoria offers free online business advice sessions to help you start or grow your small business.

Available Monday to Friday, the one-on-one sessions with a business expert will provide information on your business idea or how to grow your existing business.

Visit the Business Victoria website for more information and to book sessions. 

ATO Essentials to strengthen your small business

The ATO runs an online learning platform offering free courses to help small business owners master their tax and super obligations.

The 'Essentials to strengthen your small business' website includes more than 20 short courses and a calendar of key lodgment due dates to support small businesses.

Topics include:

  • Claiming small business tax deductions
  • Record keeping
  • Goods and services tax (GST)
  • Using your business money and assets
  • Growing your small business

Visit the ATO website for more information. 

Small business bus

Business Victoria's small business bus stops at locations across the Mount Alexander Shire to offer advice and support to local businesses.

Keep your eye on this page or Council's Facebook page for the upcoming times and dates.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners

Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) is a guided self-help mental health coaching program. 

Over 6 sessions, your mental health coach will work with you to manage stress and overwhelm using straightforward problem-solving approaches.  All mental health coaches are specially trained and have a small business background so they understand your unique challenges.

It’s free, confidential and convenient. Available nationally by phone or video call, no GP referral is required.

Head to the Beyond Blue website for more details.

 

 

 

Mount Alexander Business Awards

The Mount Alexander Business Awards is a biennial program that showcases, publicly acknowledges, and celebrates the achievements of our local businesses. The most recent awards program was held in 2025.

The next awards will be held in 2027.