23 October 2025

In this edition of Business Link - Business Awards finalists announced, free Christmas advertising opportunity, Frederick St redevelopment, Mostyn St crossing works to start and more.

Mount Alexander Business Awards 2025 - finalists announced

Meet the inspiring finalists of this year's awards - local innovators, creators, and changemakers driving excellence across our region. Our 14 judges visited 21 shortlisted businesses in recent weeks and were impressed by the spirit, resilience, and creativity of all finalists.
Tickets to the awards are selling fast - book your ticket and join us at Boomtown on Wednesday 19 November for a night of food, music and celebration!

Help us encourage local Christmas shopping with a free ad in the Midland Express!

Mount Alexander Shire Council is teaming up with the Midland Express to spread festive cheer through a special Christmas Wrap - and your business could be part of it! We’re inviting local businesses, makers and event organisers to submit a Christmas-themed product, service, experience or offer to feature - free of charge.

We’re especially keen to promote thoughtful, sustainable gifting ideas - think handmade, locally grown, pre-loved, experiential or charitable. Whether you’re offering a hero gift, a summer holiday experience, a creative workshop or supporting a cause, we want to hear from you! It’s all part of our commitment to supporting local businesses, building a resilient economy and encouraging more meaningful ways to celebrate.

Send the following details through to Midland Express:

• Business trading name & Business address (depending on layout, we may list by township only)
• Contact name for ad approval (please ensure this contact person will be available to approve the ad artwork. They will be contacted by Midland Express)
• Email address & phone number for ad approval (manager, owner, person able to do final ad approval)
• What is the product or offer? This can be a gifting hero piece, a Christmas-focused product, an offer. We are not requiring a special deal or discount but you are welcome to provide this if you like.
• 2-3 images - please attach image file in your email  – 2-3 images .jpeg or .tif format (high resolution) 300dpi

• Deadline: 12.00pm, Wednesday 5 November
• Wrap publishes Tuesday 25 November, reaching up to 70,000 readers across the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander regions.

Frederick St and Mechanics Lane Redevelopment Project

Council is preparing for the commencement of the Frederick Street Precinct Project, a major streetscape upgrade that will transform Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane.
The aim of works is to create a vibrant public space that has improved pedestrian and cycling access, more seating, and opportunities for public art. 

Powercor will begin removing power poles and undergrounding the existing power supply in February 2026. Staged streetscape construction will begin after Powercor works are completed.

• Sign up to receive emails about project updates and road closures
• For queries or to discuss your specific access needs contact us on 03 5471 1700.

Mostyn Street pedestrian crossing works construction starting soon

Council's planned upgrades to the pedestrian crossing on Mostyn Street are scheduled to begin on Wednesday 5 November 2025, with an estimated duration of two weeks.
The works will include the installation of a raised crossing asphalt surface, a reduction in the width of traffic lanes to shorten the crossing distance, and improved street lighting.

• Week 1 will focus on installing new street lighting underground conduits and poles.
• Week 2 will involve upgrading the raised pedestrian crossing scope of works.
• Temporary disruptions to parking near the crossing may occur during the works.
• Alternative pedestrian routes will be provided, and access to your business will not be impacted during the project.
• Night works will be carried out toward the end of the project to complete asphalt resurfacing. This is planned for the final 1-2 days of the works around 15 November 2025.
• Traffic management measures will be in place, with the plan intended that the road remain open to vehicles. During night works there would be some impact on traffic lane closure at the crossing.

Please contact Amrit Pun Magar with any queries on a.punmagar@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 03 5471 1700.  

Destination Central Victoria Partnership Opportunity

Destination Central Victoria (DCV) is the leading tourism body for the region comprised of the Shires of Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields, officially recognised by Visit Victoria and Tourism Australia. As a not-for-profit organisation, all profits are reinvested in developing and promoting our region.

DCV partnership is open to all tourism businesses in the Mount Alexander Shire region. They offer expert business and marketing support, regular industry updates, and networking opportunities. You’ll have direct access to Visit Victoria’s marketing and PR channels and various business development resources.

Council Annual Report 2024-2025 published

Council's Annual Report provides information on services delivered by Council during the financial year, and progress on our Council plan. It also provides a detailed financial report and statutory reporting as required under the Local Government Act and Regulations.

Mount Alexander Shire Councillors adopted the 2024-2025 Annual Report at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 October 2025.

Business Unboxed 2025

Be.Bendigo presents Business Unboxed - a two-week festival celebrating the diversity, creativity, and strength of the business community.
Across the city, businesses will host over 40 events - workshops, masterclasses, tours, and networking opportunities designed to learn, connect, and grow.

📅 3 - 20 November 2025

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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.