19 June 2025

In this edition of Business Link - more on the Micro and Small Business Day, a reminder about street bins, and a farming community grant opportunity.

Get ahead of the curve: what’s shaping our business landscape?

As part of Mount Alexander Micro and Small Business Day, this special panel session offers a rare opportunity to step back and hear directly from experts about the forces shaping the future of local business.

Business Outlook: Expert Insights will explore trends in workforce development, economic shifts, climate impacts and government policy - with a special focus on what it all means for small businesses in our region. You’ll hear from experts who understand the regional landscape and are directly involved in shaping programs and policies. And you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions during a live Q&A.

Mayor Rosie Annear will chair the session and lead a conversation about the challenges, strengths and future direction of small business in Mount Alexander shire.

Panellists include:

• Merryn Tinkler, Mount Alexander Shire Council - on the local wellbeing economy
• Martin Collins, Victorian Skills Authority - on future workforce needs
• Nick Byrne, REMPLAN - on local economic and sector trends
• Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria - on seasonal and climate outlooks

📅 Friday 27 June 2025
⏰ 11.30am - 12.15pm
📍 Phee Broadway Theatre 212 Barker St, Castlemaine VIC 3450

Castlemaine’s Business Expo: local people, real advice, free entry

As part of the Micro and Small Business Day, the Business Expo offers a practical, welcoming space to connect with the people who can help you take your next step.

The Expo brings together more than 20 local and regional organisations offering support across areas like finance, training, legal matters, digital tools, grants, business planning and more. It’s free, open to everyone, and there’s no need to register - just drop in and start a conversation.

Who will be there?

• Government and regulators: AusIndustry, ATO, FairWork, Victorian Small Business Commission
• Council: Staff from our Procurement, Public Health, Climate, Local Laws and Emergency Management teams will be on hand to answer your questions
• Education and training: Bendigo TAFE, La Trobe University, WISE Training
• Financial and legal services: Bendigo Bank, Robertson Hyetts, NWF Legal, That Accounting Stuff
• Business support providers: Kerr Capital, Startup Central Victoria, Many Rivers, Asuria (Self Employment Assistance Program), Workspace
• Community and advocacy groups: Castlemaine Community House, MASDAG, Business Mount Alexander
• Digital and tech: NBN Co

Whether you’re starting up, scaling up, or planning ahead, this is your chance to tap into expert advice and discover what support is available locally.

📅 Friday 27 June 2025
⏰ 12.15pm - 2.30pm
📍 Castlemaine Town Hall 25 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine VIC 3450 

Have you thought about how you’ll step away from your business?

When the time comes to move on - whether to sell, scale back, or hand over - what will that look like for you?

You're invited to Planning Your Exit, a practical session for business owners at all stages. It's a chance to hear from local entrepreneurs and experts about how to approach one of the most important - and often overlooked - parts of running a business: preparing for the future.

Michael Kerr, founder of Kerr Capital, brings over two decades of experience helping small business owners navigate the complexities of exiting their businesses. He emphasizes that a successful exit isn't just about finding a buyer; it's about making your business more valuable and sellable over time.
Karen Kelly, founder of Pud For All Seasons, will join Michael to discuss her firsthand experience of selling her business.

Whether you're years away from leaving or just starting to think about it, come along to learn how to:

• Understand the value of your business
• Explore options for selling or succession
• Start preparing for a smooth transition

📅 Friday 27 June 2025
⏰ 3.30pm - 4.30pm
📍 Council Chambers 27 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine VIC 3450 

Money Matters: protecting your business starts with the right advice

Whether you’re navigating tax, choosing the right insurance, managing a lease, or handling a dispute - the financial and legal foundations of your business matter. That’s why the Money Matters session is one of the most important sessions to attend at this year’s Micro and Small Business Day.

This workshop features Lynda McAlary-Smith, Victorian Small Business Commissioner, who brings a rare and valuable perspective on what’s happening right across the small business sector - locally, state-wide and nationally.

Lynda works at the frontline of small business advocacy and dispute resolution in Victoria. She will share extraordinary insights into the challenges businesses are facing, the patterns emerging across industries, and what small business owners can do to protect themselves and plan ahead with confidence.

Also on the panel:

• John Wellington, Robertson Hyetts - legal advice on leases, risk, and business structures
• Luke Millard, NAB Business Banking - expertise in financial analysis, business lending and banking solutions for SMEs.

You’ll come away with:

• Practical tools to protect your business and manage risk
• Tips on navigating disputes without legal escalation
• A clearer understanding of insurance, leasing, and tax essentials
• Direct advice from leaders who work closely with small business every day

This is a special opportunity to ask questions, learn from experts, and strengthen the foundations of your business - no matter what stage you’re at.

📅 Friday 27 June 2025
⏰ 1.15pm - 2.15pm
📍 Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine VIC 3450 

Look Over the Farm Gate - community grants available

Applications are now open for this community grants program led by the National Centre for Farmer Health with support from Agriculture Victoria.

The program aims to strengthen mental wellbeing in Victorian farming communities by funding local events that foster connection and resilience. Eligible community groups, including service clubs, health services, and agricultural organisations, can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to host events tailored to their region’s needs.

These events must be conducted before 31 October 2025 and should focus on supporting mental health in a safe, inclusive way.

Successful applicants receive an event resource pack with printed and digital wellbeing materials. The program encourages collaboration with local leaders and service providers, and applicants are advised to consult the “Tackling the Tough Topics” guide to help plan impactful, psychologically safe events.

Grant applications close 31 October 2025. 

Street bins - a reminder for businesses and event organisers

A question at the recent Council meeting highlighted community concerns about the use of public street bins in Maldon. As a result, we’d like to take the opportunity to remind businesses and event organisers across the shire of some important guidelines around bin use.

Street bins provided by Council are intended for use by the general public only. They are not designed to accommodate commercial or event-related waste. Under Local Law (Section 64) disposal of business, household, or trade waste in Council bins is not allowed without written permission.

Businesses are responsible for managing their own waste through private commercial arrangements. If your business generates significant takeaway or disposable packaging, it’s a good idea to provide a clearly marked bin for customers inside your premises to help reduce overflow in public spaces.

Event organisers must plan for suitable waste management at their events. Council has a limited number of bins available for loan and offers a discount at the Transfer Station for properly sorted materials. In Maldon, a local bin fleet is managed by the community for event use.

Due to heritage considerations constraining the number and location of public place bins, waste management in the main streets of Maldon is especially important.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our towns clean, welcoming, and well cared for. If you’re planning an event or need advice on waste management options, please reach out to Council’s Waste Services or Events teams on 03 5471 1700 or email us below.

World Refugee Day live webinar - how employers are driving change with refugee talent

To celebrate World Refugee Day on 20 June 2025, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations will host a free, live webinar showcasing employers who have grown their workforces through recognising and utilising refugee skills and talents.

The 30-minute webinar will explore practical strategies for employers to tap into this valuable, dedicated, and often underutilised talent pool. The Workforce Australia for Business Division will also highlight the cultural and business benefits refugee workers can bring to the workplace.

📅 Friday 20 June 2025
⏰ 12.00pm - 12.30pm 

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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.