Are you a hospitality business located in the Surf Coast Shire?

You're invited to take part in a practical, hands-on program designed to help local food businesses thrive.

👉What’s available?

We’ve partnered with Crunch, an app built by hospitality people for hospitality people.

We’ve covered the cost of a 6-month Crunch membership (valued at $294) so you can access tools, training and expert support to make your day-to-day easier.

If you operate a hospitality business in the Surf Coast Shire, you can now express your interest in joining the program to use the Crunch App, as part of Council’s work to support a sustainable and resilient business community.

🔗You can learn more by visiting our Crunch Expression of Interest page

Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

Business owners can book a confidential 45 minute face-to-face session with a business adviser to help identify a clear direction for their business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve their goals. 

Walk-ins are also welcome for the Bus Concierge service which provides general information about support available from Business Victoria.

✅When:
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 | 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
✅Where:
Library Bus Bay, Western end of Camp Road, Anglesea Shopping Precinct, Anglesea, 3230

Join our next Better Business Skills workshop: Confident Business Marketing – from elevator pitch to beyond

Struggling to clearly explain what your business does or why people should choose you?

This free, interactive workshop will help you build confidence in your business messaging — from your elevator pitch to website content and everything in between.

👉Details at a glance:

✅ When: Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
✅ Where: Surf Coast Shire Council, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay, 3228 (wheelchair accessible) 
✅ Cost: Free (light refreshments provided; registrations required)
✅ Stay after for: A relaxed 30 minute informal networking opportunity

This session is part of the Better Business Skills program – a Surf Coast Shire Council initiative offering free, practical workshops for local businesses across a range of topics including digital marketing, finance, storytelling, and sustainability.

🔎 To see the full calendar of workshops  visit the Better Business Skills landing page

From 26 August 2025, the Right to Disconnect rules will apply to small businesses. 

Employees will have the right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work contact outside their usual hours — unless it’s unreasonable to do so.

👉What’s Reasonable?

What’s reasonable will depend on:

• The urgency of the matter
• The nature of the employee’s role
• Any entitlements already included in their pay or contract
• Personal circumstances (e.g., family commitments or study)

A simple test: If it was you, would you think it’s fair to respond right now?

👉Why it Matters

Not following the rules could lead to disputes, legal action, and even civil penalties. It could also affect staff wellbeing, increase turnover, and damage your business reputation.

By working together with your employees, you can avoid these problems — saving time, money, and building a stronger, happier workplace.

For more information visit: www.fairwork.gov.au

Showcase your business to riders, crews and spectators from around the world.

This October, over 10,000 visitors will descend on the Surf Coast for the Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo and UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

It’s a prime opportunity for local businesses to get involved and showcase the best of our region.

How your business can participate:

✅Feature in the “Explore the Great Ocean Road” section of the event website, official guide, and email marketing.

✅Apply for a free trader site in the Lorne Event Village (excluding food and cycling apparel).

✅Create event-themed displays or decorate with pink to engage visitors.

✅Leverage increased foot traffic as the event encourages attendees to support local.

For further information or to find out how your business can be involved, click here.

👉Road closure update:

The expanded race program includes an additional road closure on Thursday 16 October between Lorne and Eastern View. This is ahead of the traditional Sunday race day. Check the event website for full traffic details so you can plan for staff, deliveries, and customer access.

Did you know that GORRT's base marketing package is free for all tourism businesses?

This means all businesses in the Surf Coast Shire can access valuable marketing and industry support at no cost.

By joining you will receive:

✅ A free business listing on relevant GORRT websites – including:

• VisitGreatOceanRoad.org.au
• Torquay Life
• I Am Lorne
• Inspired by Surf Coast
• I am Winchelsea
• I am Aireys Inlet 

✅ Regular industry news and updates

✅ Access to GORRT’s Partner Portal – with online training, resources and development tools

✅Permission to use GORRT brand assets, including professional photography and video content

✅Eligibility for industry development programs

Having your business listed means you can tap into GORRT’s regional marketing campaigns, with ongoing investment in SEO and digital promotion to attract visitors and inspire them to explore more of our towns and villages.

👉It’s completely free – and easy to sign up.

Go to greatoceanroadtourism.org.au to find out more.