11 June 2026

In this edition of Business Link - a new Training and Skills Fair, CBD signage audit, new financial year reminders, a new bushfire recovery grant and primary producer conferences and training.

A new way to promote local training pathways 

Mount Alexander Shire Council and partners are hosting the Training & Skills Fair Central Victoria 2026 at Castlemaine Town Hall on Wednesday 2 September. This is a free community event connecting local people with skills and training opportunities across the region.

It's a new opportunity for training providers to meet a broad audience in one place: senior secondary students exploring pathways, jobseekers of all ages, and adults considering retraining or returning to work. Providers in health and community services, construction and trades, and short credentials and foundation skills are particularly encouraged to take part.

Stalls are offered at no charge, with around 35 places available.

If your organisation would like to exhibit, register your interest below to receive full event details and confirm your stall.

📅Expressions of interest close Thursday 25 June 2026

Castlemaine CBD signage audit 

Council will soon be conducting an upcoming audit of signage throughout the Castlemaine CBD to ensure it complies with planning requirements. As the CBD is subject to a heritage overlay, signage may require a planning permit to help protect the character and amenity of the town centre.

This initiative is proactive and aimed at supporting local businesses while enhancing the overall presentation of the CBD.

The audit will be undertaken in an informative and supportive manner, with a focus on education and guidance. Council officers will be available to answer questions and assist businesses in understanding any requirements and potential next steps where needed.

If you have any questions about the audit please email 
planning@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or call to speak to a planning officer on 03 5471 1700. 

📅The audit begins next Wednesday 17 June 2026

New financial year reminders for businesses

• Join the SMS Sender ID register
  From Wednesday 1 July 2026, businesses using a name in SMS messages must register it with the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Unregistered messages may be marked ‘unverified’ or blocked.

• Comply with the new national minimum wage increase
  The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.

• Action Payday Super
  You must pay employees their super guarantee for each payday (instead of quarterly), and you must calculate super based on an employee's qualifying earnings, which is a new term that brings together ordinary time earnings and other payments.

• Take note of the new 26-week paid parental leave rules
  This is an increase from the current 22 week entitlement.

• Consider the new rules around instant asset write-offs
  Small businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million can deduct the full cost of eligible depreciating assets costing less than $20,000 that are first used or installed ready for use in an income year

• Read up on the new seafood labelling laws
  From Wednesday 1 July 2026, you'll need to tell customers if the seafood you serve is Australian, imported or both.

BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences

Agriculture Victoria is bringing the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences to Ballarat later this month. Hear from leading experts about innovations shaping the industry and get practical ideas that can be implemented immediately on your farm.

The conferences provide a valuable chance to step away from the farm, connect with fellow producers, share experiences and gather fresh ideas for the future.

📅BestWool/BestLamb Conference - Tuesday 23 June 2026
📅BetterBeef Conference - Wednesday 24 June 2026
📍The Goods Shed, Ballarat 200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350

Lambing Post Care Workshop

Through the Stock Sense project, the Victorian Farmers Federation is presenting a hands-on workshop focused on post-lambing ewe and lamb care. Veterinarian Dr Conor McConnell will cover improving lamb survival, recognising common post-lambing issues, drenching and vaccination programs, and practical management strategies to support healthy ewes and thriving lambs.

The workshop is a great opportunity for sheep owners, hobby farmers and small-scale producers to build practical skills, ask questions, and connect with other local livestock owners. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

💲Free
📅Friday 31 July 2026
⏱️10.00am - 2.00pm
📍Gisborne, address supplied upon registration

Council's new Fire Recovery Newsletter 

Council's Bushfire Recovery Team has launched a fortnightly fire recovery update to keep our fire-affected communities informed and connected.

In addition to the newsletter, community members are encouraged to get in touch and share their needs via the online Community Bushfire Recovery Hub.

Harcourt Progress Association's Business Recovery Grants

Harcourt Progress Association's (HPA) Business Recovery Grants are now open for application.

This grant provides $1,500 per business to support those that were in the footprint of the fire, and lost the capacity to earn an income. 
To be eligible, the business must be your primary source of income, you must hold an ABN, and have suffered at least $10,000 in losses to tools of trade or premises. Hobby farmers and stock losses are excluded.
Applications can be made online and are assessed on a rolling basis.

💲$1,500
📅Applications close on Friday 31 July 2026
❓Email secretaryhpa3453@gmail.com with any questions 

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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.