9 July 2026

In this edition of Business Link, global award success for a Castlemaine artisan, business grants, and practical network resilience tips.

Long Paddock Cheese triumphs on the world stage

Castlemaine artisan producer Long Paddock Cheese has achieved outstanding international recognition at the prestigious International Cheese and Dairy Awards in England.

Their organic semi-hard cheese, Banksia, was crowned Best Australian Cheese. The talented Long Paddock team also secured silver medals for their Driftwood and Granite varieties, alongside a bronze medal for their Bluestone blue cheese.

Co-director Gaetan Chapon expressed immense pride in the entire team: “This is one of the world’s premier cheese competitions,” Gaetan said. “To have the cheese we make here in Castlemaine recognised by judges whose palates have been trained on Europe’s finest cheeses is incredibly satisfying. It makes me proud of everyone at Long Paddock Cheese.” 

Preparing Your Business for Network Outages

The recent widespread telecommunications outage has highlighted just how heavily we all rely on consistent digital connectivity. While some network disruptions are entirely beyond our control, taking a moment to review your continuity options can help safeguard your business when systems go down.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts offers tips to help small businesses navigate these unexpected events. Taking proactive steps can minimise financial impact and keep your team connected.

Key considerations for your business continuity plan include:

• Identifying critical business processes that depend entirely on internet or phone connectivity.
• Setting up alternative payment methods, such as offline EFTPOS capabilities or temporary cash-handling procedures.
• Exploring redundant connection options, including secondary mobile networks or fixed-line backups.
• Establishing clear communication channels to keep your staff and customers informed during a blackout.

New regulatory changes for Victorian businesses

Local business operators are encouraged to familiarise themselves with several significant regulatory updates that took effect from July 2026. Understanding these adjustments is vital for keeping your business operations compliant and running smoothly.

Key changes impacting small businesses include:

• An increase to the national minimum wage to $26.44 per hour, alongside a 4.75% lift in award wages.
• The official closure of the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House, requiring employers to transition to alternative compliant payment systems.
• The implementation of payday super, meaning superannuation must now be processed at the same time as wages rather than quarterly.
• New updates to leasing disclosure packs for retail landlords in Victoria.
• Extended permanent instant asset write-offs to support business investment.

Innovation support gateway for regional businesses

Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and small business operators can now access a streamlined network for commercial growth. The Victorian Government has launched Innovation Victoria, a single gateway that brings together the capabilities and resources of LaunchVic and Breakthrough Victoria.

This integrated agency is designed to support regional innovators at all stages of development, from early concepts to scaling an enterprise. Local business owners can tap into specialized programs, practical toolkits, expert advice, and clear pathways to investment capital. Priority growth sectors for this initiative include digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and agri-food.

Clean Energy Incentives to Cut Small Business Power Bills

Businesses looking to manage rising operational costs can access upfront discounts on renewable energy infrastructure through two current government programs.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers discounts on commercial solar panel installations between 30kW and 200kW.

In addition, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides roughly a 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of small-scale battery storage ranging from 5kWh to 100kWh. The subsidy applies to eligible battery systems paired with new or existing solar setups, allowing local operators to store renewable power for peak periods.

Both incentives are applied directly through approved retailers to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

To find out more:

• Visit the Victorian Energy Upgrades Solar Page for solar panel discounts.

• Visit the DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries Program to explore energy storage subsidies.

Victorian Investment Fund: Funding for high growth business sectors

Businesses can tap into a 50 million dollar regional stream via the Victorian Investment Fund. Aligning with the state’s Economic Growth Statement, this initiative provides co-investment grants to help fast-growing local companies scale operations and create jobs.

Funding targets key sectors including agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. 

To review the full guidelines, visit the Victorian Investment Fund Overview or read Victoria's Economic Growth Statement.

New Automotive Career Training Opportunity

Castlemaine Community House is launching Drive Forward, an introductory short course designed for community members interested in pursuing a career in automotive trades. This program focuses on practical mechanic skills, hands-on activities, and key workplace capabilities sought after by local industries. Participants will tour Bendigo TAFE’s automotive facility and connect directly with local employers.

Two free information sessions will be held next week at Castlemaine Community House: 
📅July 14, 2026  - 06:00pm - 7:30pm
📅July 16, 2026 - 02:00pm - 3:30pm

Investment Ready Program: Capital Strategies for Female Founders

Securing a clear path to capital can be complex. Registrations are open for the Tech Ready Women Investment Ready Program.

This intensive, eight-week online initiative is tailored for female and non-binary founders with a scalable solution and early customer traction. Participants work directly with financial advisors, lawyers, and investment specialists to refine pitch decks, stress-test business numbers, and navigate capital-raising pathways.

Logistical details for the upcoming cohort:

📅 Enrolment Deadline: Monday 20 July 2026
📅 Program Dates: 10 September to 4 November 2026
💲$1,250 plus GST

Safe AI practices for your business

Business owners are invited to join Brett Szmajda, Deputy Executive Director of the National AI Centre (NAIC) for a free webinar exploring the safe integration of Artificial Intelligence into everyday operations. Hosted by Cyber Wardens and the National AI Centre, this informative session will outline the time-saving benefits of AI while highlighting crucial cyber security risks to protect your enterprise.

📅Thursday 23 July 2026
⏱️11.00 am
📍Online

Free ATO masterclass series for small businesses

The Australian Taxation Office is hosting a free online Masterclass series throughout August and September to help business operators manage their tax, superannuation, and financial commitments with confidence.

Key masterclass topics include:

• Cash flow management and business planning
• Goods and services tax (GST) and eInvoicing
• Small business tax deductions, including home-based operations
• Superannuation guarantee employer obligations
• Attendees can also submit specific operational questions in advance during the registration process.

Registration is free for all sessions.

Fire Recovery Update 

Council has launched a new recovery newsletter to keep our fire‑affected communities informed and connected.

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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.