Give feedback on the Wesley Hill precinct, read about a major tourism grant and more
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23 May 2024
In this newsletter – have your say on the Wesley Hill precinct, learn about the federal budget announcements for business and find out all about the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, plus more.
Survey on Wesley Hill Precinct
The Wesley Hill Hall Committee of Management Inc is inviting people to have their say regarding the historic Wesley Hill Hall and Market precinct.
They want feedback on how to improve the whole precinct, the results of which will be used in the formulation of a masterplan.
Survey closing date: 7 June
Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024
This fund provides grants for new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects in regional and rural Victoria. It will support projects to increase visitation and length of stay, as well as improve the quality of visitor experiences.
The fund will be delivered via three grant streams:
- Stream 1 – Small-scale projects: between $100,000 and $1 million
- Stream 2 – Large-scale projects: between $1,000,001 and $5 million
- Stream 3 – Accommodation uplift: between $500,000 and $2 million.
Two online information sessions will be held to support potential applicants on the following dates. You can register for either session here.
- Tuesday 4 June 10am – 11am
- Thursday 13 June 2pm – 3pm
Applications close: 19 July 2024
UNESCO Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid
The Victorian Goldfields World Heritage listing bid project is a partnership between 15 local governments, regional organisations, academia and the private sector on behalf of the Victorian Goldfields community. The bid seeks to achieve a World Heritage listing to celebrate the history and heritage of the region. World Heritage status can bring benefits like visitors, jobs, and new experiences to the region. You can read more about the project at https://goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au/
A survey is open, asking for contributions from the community to help get the region World Heritage ready. What does the region mean to you? What do you love about it? What do you imagine for it? Your responses will be collated to help shape the bid.
Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week events run from 27 May through to 3 June. There are some local events to get involved in - the Sorry Day Ceremony on Sunday 26 May, the annual art exhibition at the Market Building and a Reconciliation Walk along Forest Creek, plus others.
If you'd like to show your support, you can access a range of resources at https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/posters-resources/ - put up a poster, add an image to your socials or make information flyers available.
A Weekend in Castlemaine with Elise's Travel Diary
Local businesses were highlighted in a recent story by Elise's Travel Diary on Instagram, thanks to a collaborative campaign between Bendigo Regional Tourism and Visit Victoria. The influencer visited La Larr Ba Gauwa Park, ate at Panacea Estate, the Theatre Royal and Harcourt Produce and stayed at Temperance House. Showing the region in all its autumn glory, the reel has had 400 likes, 40 comments and 22.8k views so far!
Budget for Business
The recently announced federal budget included a variety of measures affecting business:
- Energy Bill Relief Fund - energy rebates of $325 to cover electricity bills for small business
- Extension of the instant asset write-off - eligible asset purchases of amounts up to $20,000 are deductible up until June 30 2025
There's more. Click on the link below for the budget wrap-up for business.
Fairwork Ombudsman Small Business Showcase
The showcase is a virtual hub providing a wealth of resources for small business owners seeking information about their workplace obligations. It's a great opportunity for small businesses to brush up on their workplace relations knowledge, download practical resources and find out more about the assistance the agency can provide.
You can catch up on the latest employer news and changes to the Fair Work Act, and read up on topics including hiring employees, calculating pay, keeping accurate records and resolving workplace issues. You can also access the Employer Advisory Service which offers free tailored written advice about pay and conditions, so that you can be confident you're meeting your obligations.
Educational Resources for Business
- Live webinar - Starting Your Small Business - May 29
- Live webinar - Small Business Strategy - May 29
- Live webinar - Building a Culturally Diverse Workforce - June 12
Good news stories
We love featuring good news stories from businesses across the shire.
If your business has any recent achievements or awards, email business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au so we can feature the good news in Business Link.
What's On
Stay up-to-date and sign up to the What's On newsletter here. Discover things to see and do, and all the best places to eat, drink and stay across the region via our tourism website.
Click here to add your own event.
For updates on local events and things to do, follow Castlemaine, Maldon and Surrounds on Facebook and Instagram.
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Mount Alexander Shire Council
email: business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au web: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges that the traditional custodians of this
land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, proudly survive. We acknowledge their continued practice of custom and their close cultural, spiritual, physical, social, historical and economic relationship with the land and waters that make up
their country, which includes Mount Alexander Shire.