The festive season is rolling in, and the Surf Coast is already starting to sparkle.

Five brand-new, four-metre solar-lit Christmas trees have popped up across the shire in Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lorne, Torquay and Winchelsea.

They’re part of our Share the Surf Coast Spirit program, designed to bring colour, energy, and a welcoming sparkle to our towns. You’ll also see new stars in Torquay, festive banners in Lorne and Torquay, timber twinkle trees and an Elf Trail in Winchelsea, plus handmade decorations from Deans Marsh Primary School.

Families can drop letters to Santa at the Torquay and Lorne Visitor Information Centres and kids can meet Surfy Santa for a free photo on 6 and 13 December.

👉How your business can get involved

✅List your Christmas-themed event on the Surf Coast Events website, whether it’s live music, a Santa visit, a festive market, or a special Christmas lunch or dinner.

✅Add your shopfront to the Christmas Lights Map if you’re lighting up this year

It’s a simple way to boost visibility and help locals and visitors discover what you’re offering.

🎄All festive activities, events and resources are at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SurfCoastSpirit

As we wrap up another big year, we want to say thank you for your support of our Better Business Skills program. 

Since launching in August 2024, more than 300 people have joined us for a session and skilled up in topics such as marketing, mental health, finance, AI and more.

Our final workshop for the year, delivered in partnership with our neighbours at the City of Greater Geelong takes place next Friday, 5 December at Wuriki Nyal (Geelong). Visit Ai for beginners - Strategy and Futureproofing for Business to secure your free ticket.

Have you got an idea for a future Better Business Skills workshop that would benefit you and your team?

👉 We’d love to hear about it!

With the summer peak approaching, having clear and accurate business information can make a real difference to your customers.

By ensuring your business details are current, you can improve customer satisfaction, increase bookings, and reduce visitor confusion.

👉Take a moment to update your details on:

✅ Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) to keep your Visit Victoria tourism listing current.

✅ Great Ocean Road Tourism - so travellers get the right information when planning their holiday.

✅ Your own website -  to make sure everything matches and is easy to navigate.

👉Additionally, ensure your emergency plans are updated to inform customers about operations on Extreme and Code Red Fire Danger days.

Investing a few minutes in updating your business details now will will help you capture the summer rush  and ensure a seamless experience for your visitors.

International Day of People with Disability on Wednesday 3 December is a timely reminder for local businesses to celebrate diversity and strengthen their commitment to accessibility. 

Whether you're in retail, hospitality, or running a home-based business, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your customers and staff feel welcome and supported.

From updating your Google Business Profile with access features to joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we've pulled together practical tools and resources to help you take action. 

🌻 Read the full story here and find out how good access really is good business.

If you run a café, retail shop, or trade business on the Surf Coast, staying on top of workplace legislation is essential, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Small Business PEAK is a free online platform designed to help small business owners understand and implement recent changes in workplace laws.

With practical, plain-English resources created for small business, by small business, it’s your go-to for navigating compliance with confidence.

👉 Check out what’s changed and what it means for your business: smallbusinesspeak.org.au

Small Business owners can apply now for 3 x one hour mentoring sessions through Business Victoria

Mentors can provide advice on a wide range of business topics including: marketing, communication, finance, strategic planning, digitalisation and change management.

👉Small business owners in 6 priority sectors can apply:

✅ Advanced manufacturing and defence

✅ Agribusiness

✅Circular economy

✅ Digital technologies

✅  Health technologies and medical research

✅ Regional tourism

Expressions of interest are open now through to March 2026 or until all places are filled.

👉For more information or to apply, visit: Business Skills Mentoring program - Business Victoria

Building, construction and manufacturing businesses can access free, industry-endorsed training in key digital areas through the Digital Jobs Program. 

Courses cover areas like:

✅ AI & Data analytics

✅ CAD

✅Digital marketing for small businesses

✅ Project management and more

Businesses can apply for up to five vouchers per round to enrol staff in six-week courses, leadership workshops or hands-on trade training — all at no cost.

Next round starts February 2026.

👉Apply now: business.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs-program