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25 September 2025
In this edition of Business Link - local cheese maker recognised, new training courses at Castlemaine Community House plus three new funding opportunities for business.
French Gold medal for Long Paddock Cheese
Castlemaine's Long Paddock Cheese has won a gold medal at the prestigious French Mondial du Fromage competition for their Banksia cheese. Banksia - their semi-hard cow’s milk cheese has taken out top honours in the awards and their Bluestone (a Stilton-style blue), also earned a bronze medal.
It's another remarkable achievement for the business that started in 2021. Just a couple of months ago His Excellency, the Ambassador of France to Australia, awarded the French Order of Agricultural Merit to master cheesemaker and co-owner Ivan Larcher. Last year, the business was also named Best Cheesemaker in Australia in the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
Long Paddock Cheese and The Cheese School are based at The Mill Castlemaine.
It’s time to vote for your favourite local business!
Voting is open for the Mount Alexander Business Awards' People's Choice category.
The awards celebrate the people and enterprises that drive positive change in our local economy – through innovation, care, sustainability and community connection.
The People's Choice category is a chance to show your favourite business some love.
Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/business-awards and vote for one of 46 local businesses.
📅 Voting closes on Sunday 12 October.
Bendigo TAFE / Kangan Institute Win
Bendigo TAFE has been awarded Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Training Awards in recognition of its leadership in vocational education.
The award celebrates Bendigo TAFE’s commitment to student success, innovation and strong community partnerships. Recent investments include a new Community Health and Learning Hub in Castlemaine, delivered in partnership with Dhelkaya Health, which is already providing hands-on training for local students.
Bendigo TAFE also celebrated other wins at the Victorian Training Awards:
- Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award - Margaret O’Rourke OAM, former Board Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute
- Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Tarmi A’Vard, justice and community services teacher at Bendigo TAFE
Theatre Royal - Business for sale
After nine years, Felicity and Tim, the people behind Theatre Royal, are inviting interested parties to submit an expression of interest to purchase the business. This is a very special opportunity for someone to become the next custodian of mainland Australia’s oldest continuously operating theatre. The venue must continue operating as a live music space and cinema.
Register interest via email to john@robertsonhyetts.com.au and kim@robertsonhyetts.com.au or write to: PO Box 206, Castlemaine VIC 3450.
📅 Submissions must be made no later than 21 October 2025.
The search for the state's favourite pie, bánh mì and potato cake is on
There are just three weeks left to vote - we all know Mount Alexander Shire is home to amazing bakeries and eateries that have earned serious recognition. Now’s our chance to rally behind them and show the rest of the state what we’re made of.
Vic’s Picks is a new state government-backed celebration of food, culture, and community spirit. It’s a chance for all Victorians to decide which local favourites deserve the crown - and for us, that means backing the incredible local businesses that make our shire special.
📅 Voting closes on Sunday 19 October.
Nominations open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
Nominations are open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards – a chance to recognise the amazing people and events that make our shire shine.
Whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, a young changemaker, or a standout local event, now’s the time to say thank you.
Winners will be announced at the Australia Day – Survival Day event on 26 January 2026.
Council adopts two important plans for 2025-2029
Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted its Council Plan 2025–2029 and Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
Shaped by community input, these plans set the vision and priorities for a healthier, more connected and thriving shire — helping create the conditions for local people and businesses to succeed.
New Business Courses announced
Castlemaine Community House is launching a fresh lineup of business-focused courses starting in October.
Professional Arts Practice
The essentials of professional arts practice to help you take your work from home studio to exhibition.
Responsible Service of Alcohol
Great for anyone wanting to work in hospitality or for people looking to volunteer at our amazing community events.
Online office tools: gmail, docs, sheets and more
For people looking to improve their office/work/home admin skills using the Google Workspace suite of free apps
For more information on these and other business courses, and to enrol click below.
Equine Land Management Grazing Course
Learn how to manage grazing patterns to increase soil health and perennial pasture species on your property, while maintaining the health of your horses.
This course, in Lockwood South, is for small landholders (2-20Ha) with grazing horses and designed to use the resources and time you have available to improve your property.
📅 Day 1: Friday 17 October
📅 Day 2: Friday 31 October
📅 Day 3: Friday 14 November
Grant Opportunity for Local Wine and Cider Producers
Local wine and cider producers may be eligible for funding through Wine Australia’s Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant.
The grant supports producers who contribute to regional tourism through cellar door sales and visitor experiences. While often associated with wine, it’s important to note that cider producers are also eligible – great news for our region.
Eligible businesses can apply for a grant payment of 29% of their eligible cellar door sales, up to $100,000 (GST exclusive). This funding can help strengthen cellar door operations and enhance the visitor experience.
📅 Applications for the 2025 round are now open and close on 31 October 2025.
Funding Available for Collaborative Innovation Projects
Businesses involved in research, development or product innovation may be eligible to take part in a Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant.
These grants support short-term collaborations (up to three years) between industry, researchers and community organisations to develop new products, services or processes. While often led by larger companies, small businesses can play a key role as project partners — particularly where they bring innovation, technical expertise or regional insight.
Grants range from $100,000 to $3 million, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Projects must include at least two Australian industry partners (one being an SME) and one research organisation.
Projects aligned with national priorities are more likely to be successful. This includes areas such as renewables and low-emissions technologies, value-add in agriculture, health and medical innovation, advanced manufacturing, and critical technologies. These priorities reflect the focus of the National Reconstruction Fund and the National Science and Research Priorities.
📅 Applications for the current round close on 7 October 2025.
Battery Discount Available for Small Businesses
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers around 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing 5‑kWh to 100‑kWh battery systems, and businesses and community organisations are eligible.
If you own or operate from a property where a battery can be installed, this can help reduce your power bills by storing solar energy for times of peak usage.
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.
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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.