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14 August 2025
In this edition of Business Link - Business Awards categories announced, local business success, the next Business Mount Alexander social event, short courses at Castlemaine Community House, Victorian Trees on Farms funding, mental health support and the right to disconnect law implementation for small business.
Business Awards categories announced
The Mount Alexander Business Awards are back in 2025, and we look forward to celebrating the businesses and people driving innovation, sustainability and community wellbeing in our shire. The awards categories reflect the values and strengths of our thriving business community. Entries open soon, so start thinking about nominating, or entering your own business in a category.
Nominations open Tuesday 26 August
Entries close Sunday 21 September
Awards night celebration Wednesday 19 November
We will be providing information on how to enter shortly, and running an online information session which will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the entry process.
In the meantime, you can reach out to Daniel Bone, Economic Development Coordinator, with any queries on email Daniel Bone or phone 03 5471 1700.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The overall winner is selected from all category entrants and represents the highest standard of business excellence.
Outstanding Workplace
Recognises a business that prioritises staff wellbeing and fosters a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
Local Food Excellence
Honours a business helping strengthen our local food system by growing, producing, sourcing or sharing local produce.
Innovation and Technology
Recognises a business using innovation or technology to improve how things are done – benefiting the business, community or planet.
Sustainability Hero
Honours a business leading the way in environmental sustainability, circular economy practices or local procurement.
Accessibility Champion
Recognises a business demonstrating leadership in creating accessible spaces, services or experiences.
NextGen Champion
Awarded to a business that demonstrates leadership in building opportunities for young people to learn, work, and thrive.
Community Impact
Recognises a business making a genuine difference locally through actions that foster connection, care or wellbeing.
People’s Choice
Selected by public vote, this award celebrates a local business that holds a special place in the hearts of the community.
Long Paddock Cheese & The Cheese School's Ivan Larcher awarded the French Order of Agricultural Merit.
His Excellency, the Ambassador of France to Australia, Mr Pierre-André Imbert, came to Castlemaine to present Ivan with this prestigious medal in recognition of his contribution to sharing French culture, skills and savoir-faire in dairy and cheesemaking - both in Australia and abroad.
“It is naturally an honour,” said Ivan. “But the achievements made here at Long Paddock and The Cheese School are part of a collaboration between the farmers and our dedicated team of cheesemakers, affineurs and educators.”
Business Mount Alexander (BMA) event - Explore Etty Street Business Hub
BMA is hosting a social evening at Etty Street. Once a school, this is now a hub for Workspace Australia, Autoplex Castlemaine and 30 small thriving businesses.
Take a tour, make connections and come and see the transformation of this incredible site.
🗓️ Thursday 28 August 5.30 - 7.30pm
💲Free for BMA members, $15 for non-members
Short courses at Castlemaine Community House
Microbusiness for you
This practical course will guide you through the essentials of building a small business - whether you're developing a product, launching a service, or still exploring your idea.
🗓️ Starts 18 August
Intro to Marketing - two-day course
Develop your voice, define your audience, and craft compelling messages that convert. Gain the confidence to grow your brand and use digital strategies that drive real results - with the help of AI to boost your impact.
🗓️ 2 & 9 September
Intro to AI - two-day intensive
Step into the future with this beginner-friendly session that demystifies AI. Learn how to use powerful, easy-to-access tools to save time, create content, and streamline your workflow - even if you’re not tech-savvy.
🗓️ 1 & 8 September
Both the Intro to Marketing and Intro to AI courses are part of Castlemaine Community House's Business Series: Practical Skills for Modern Business Owners.
Victorian Trees on Farms Program - funding available
Agriculture Victoria is offering funding through the Victorian Trees on Farms Program. The program offers grants to rural landowners to integrate trees into farming systems for timber production and environmental benefits. The program promotes carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and improved farm resilience.
The program supports projects up to 20 hectares, focusing on farm forestry (minimum 3 ha) and integrated environmental plantings (minimum 5 ha), with flexibility in species and layout. Additional support is available for engaging professional service providers.
Round 1 is open until 30 June 2026.
Right to disconnect
The right to disconnect laws allow employees to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact from their employer outside of their working hours, unless the refusal is unreasonable. It was introduced in August 2024 for non-small business employers.
For small business employers and their employees, it will start on 26 August 2025.
For an overview of the right to disconnect and how small business can get ready, watch Fair Work's videos for small business.
Alternatives to the Small Business Partners in Wellbeing program
The Small Business Partners in Wellbeing Helpline, launched in July 2020 by Business Victoria to support small businesses through the pandemic and October 2022 floods, officially concluded on 30 June 2025.
The program played a significant role in raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing across the small business community. Building on this momentum, Business Victoria remains committed to promoting the latest available opportunities to support mental health and wellbeing through their digital channels.
The following free and confidential support services are available to small businesses in Victoria:
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Beyond Blue – NewAccess for Small Business Owners: tailored mental health coaching.
- Partners in Wellbeing Helpline: wellbeing coaching for all Victorians aged 16 or over.
- Victorian Worker Mental Health Support Line: 24/7 mental health support for employees in businesses with 200 workers or less.
- Business Victoria Workplace Wellbeing: resources and information to help sole traders, small businesses and employees manage stress and build positive workplace wellbeing.
Financial Counselling
- Small Business Debt Helpline: financial advice from experts specialising in finance and debt management.
- Rural Financial Counselling Service: support for rural and regional enterprises.
Business Victoria Resources
- Skill Up for Success: workshops, webinars, and adviser consultations.
- Digital Tools & Guides: resources for cashflow, marketing, and business planning.
Boost productivity through diversity, equity and inclusion insights
Explore the relationship between increased productivity, innovation, attraction and retention of workforce through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.
A panel of local businesses will provide insights into cultural awareness, comparative advantage, attracting and retaining workforce and upskilling front-line managers and supervisors.
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.