31 July 2025

In this edition of Business Link - save the date for Mount Alexander Business Awards, meet climate change-makers in business, learn about assistance dogs, and catch a Q&A with Harcourt Valley Community House.

The Mount Alexander Business Awards 2025 are back! Save the date

The Mount Alexander Business Awards celebrate the businesses and people driving innovation, sustainability and community wellbeing in our shire. We will be announcing the categories soon; meanwhile start thinking about local businesses that are making a difference - yours could be one!

Nominations open 26 August.

Update: Frederick Street

In January, Mount Alexander Shire Council welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of $12.19 million in funding for the redevelopment of Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine’s town centre precinct.

The initial phase of the project will involve undergrounding cabling and powerlines. This work is expected to cause some disruption to power supply and road access, potentially affecting nearby retailers and residents.

Data cabling works in the area marked in red (above) could commence as early as mid-September and some minor disruption to traffic and parking may occur. Work on underground power cables is expected to start later in 2025.

A more detailed project timeline will be developed as contractors are selected and Council will continue engaging with local businesses and residents as the potential impacts and timing of works is scheduled.

For further information, please contact Project Manager Emir Ameti at e.ameti@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 03 5471 1700.

Regional community funding available

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is focused on enhancing the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional Australia. The latest round of funding through its Rebuilding Regional Communities program is now open. There are two streams available.

Meet the climate change-makers in business

We recently asked local businesses and community organisations what they’re doing to take action against climate change.
You told us stories about composting, collecting pre-loved clothing, building biodiversity and lots more!

Over July we shared these stories on Facebook and Instagram to celebrate sustainability, the circular economy and the good work that our community is doing locally.

Council grant funding - events and Christmas celebrations

Business space available at Harcourt Valley Community House

We chatted with Jeanette Teague, Voluntary Manager, to find out about what's on offer at Harcourt Valley Community House.

What inspired you and the team at Harcourt Valley Community House to open up the space for micro and small business owners?
The Harcourt Valley Community House (HVCH) is an unfunded community house. Unlike most community houses across Victoria, we do not receive recurrent state government funding to pay a manager or cover the usual building overheads, therefore we have to find ways to raise funds ourselves. At the same time, it is one of our primary purposes to help our community be a vibrant place to live, work and visit. Providing affordable, comfortable and appropriate space for a small business to start up (or to grow), is one of the ways we are striving to do that.

Could you tell us a bit about the space and facilities?
The HVCH is housed in an old railway station - it is a VicTrack-owned, beautifully restored period building, circa 1870. The building was made available to the Harcourt Progress Association (our “parent” body) in 2022/23. Since then, with the assistance of grants, we have made significant enhancements to the building including a refurbished kitchen, carpark lighting and a security system. Wifi, heating, cooling, all abilities bathroom access, ample car parking and some office furniture are all included. There are dedicated lockable rooms upstairs and shared office space downstairs, plus a large multipurpose room.

What would you say to encourage local entrepreneurs or home-based businesses to come in and make use of the space?
This is a quaint, attractive space to which you can confidently invite your clients for a meeting. There is the occasional noise of a passing train (for about 5 seconds…it is seriously FAST), but honestly, it becomes a humorous talking point which you actually get accustomed to, and it becomes a part of the background. We are aiming to keep our prices affordable as we want to encourage as many people to use this amazing space as possible.  

Call Jeanette on 0438 579 987 or email below to book a tour or enquire about the possibilities of making use of the space.

Assistance dogs entering your business - what is the law?

In response to recent questions from shop owners about the rules around assistance dogs, the local laws team at Council has provided some information.

Assistance dog is an umbrella term that describes dogs trained to provide disability support for certain conditions. Common types of assistance dogs in Australia include those trained to assist with mobility impairments, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sudden medical alerts.

To be considered an assistance dog, they must meet Australian disability laws. They also need to follow international training and behaviour standards. If a dog meets these standards, the owner (also called a handler) and the dog are legally permitted to enter most businesses and public places. This includes all public transportation, theatres, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and retail stores.

Whilst not legally mandated, it's highly recommended for assistance dogs to wear identification such as a vest or harness. A person can legally ask for some documentation showing that the assistance dog is qualified, accredited and serving the person they are with.

Small Business Perspectives Survey 

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is conducting its annual Small Business Perspectives Survey.  

Your real-world experience as a small business owner provides invaluable insights that can't be found in statistics or reports. The issues you've experienced - whether unfair payment terms, regulatory burden, or market pressures - need to be documented and shared with decision-makers. 
Take 15 minutes to participate and help make sure small business owners have a strong voice in government decisions and policy development. 

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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.