Business support during COVID-19

We know many businesses are doing it tough and are responding to rapidly changing restrictions in these unprecedented times.

We’re here to help support local business, tourism and creatives affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and point you in the right direction to information and support packages.

To view the latest restrictions for how we live and work in Victoria the COVIDSafe settings page at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Visit Council's Connect Mount Alexander website for more information on frequently asked questions about the current restrictions, grants and other business support initiatives.

Outdoor dining
To open up additional outdoor dining spaces, our free variation to outdoor dining permits allow hospitality businesses the opportunity to extend their existing footpath trading.

For local information and support call our COVID-19 support service on 1800 512 446 between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Monday to Friday) or send an email to covid19@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Our Environmental Health Officers are also available to answer any queries. They are still visiting premises and undertaking wastewater inspections. Contact them by phone or email environmentalhealth@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

As the restrictions continue to change so quickly, we recommend always referring to information provided at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

There is comprehensive FAQs for both businesses and workers listed here

Information on timelines of workers required to be vaccinated can be found here

All Victorian businesses with onsite operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan. You must regularly review your COVIDSafe Plan to ensure it is current and reflects the latest advice.

In addition to the general restrictions for all businesses, some industries are subject to additional obligations due to a higher transmission risk. Click here for more information.

For business and creative industry financial support packages please call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

If you or anyone you know needs help or mental health support visit our managing your health and wellbeing page for information on crisis and support services.

You can also contact Partners in Wellbeing. Partners in Wellbeing offer free, confidential, one on one support to improve your financial, business and emotional wellbeing. You do not need to be registered for GST to get support through Partners in Wellbeing. Call for a one off chat or get ongoing support - 1300 375 330.

And do please reach out to the following services if you’re not feeling okay:

Council is encouraging local business owners who need some support right now, to access our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The program is provided by Assure, and gives participants access to four confidential and free counselling sessions with an experienced psychologist.

It is designed to help participants resolve concerns arising at work or in their personal life, or even financial, legal and nutritional coaching.

Consultations are entirely confidential, and no information or names of participants are provided back to Council.
Call Assure on 1800 808 374 and let them know you’re a client of Mount Alexander Shire Council.

For more information on the service, or to make an appointment download the EAP brochure.

COVID-19 has changed the way we work and play. We have been working with businesses, community groups and food markets to meet new public health standards, and keep our local food supply and economy going.

As part of our response to coronavirus, we introduced some initial support measures to help reduce financial pressures on local business, and created a dedicated COVID-19 support service. We’ve also adopted a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy to guide financial relief for those who need it, and have allocated funding for relief measures in the 2020/2021 Budget which Council adopted as the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 18 August 2020.

The $45.9 million budget outlines the resources necessary to maintain and improve infrastructure, and deliver projects and services which are valued by our community. This year we incorporated a range of products to specifically help respond to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This includes additional investment in tourism marketing, mental health training, the waiver of registrations and permits for some businesses, and our online platform for the creative industries.

We’ve been checking in on businesses, event organisers and accommodation providers who have been hit hard, and are working in partnership with our creative workforce to develop and launch Get Lost - a collaborative, online platform to help keep us culturally connected and support e-commerce opportunities.

Sign up to our business and creative community newsletter to stay informed on the local industry response to the pandemic, and finance and support.