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22 January 2026
In this issue of Business Link, more support and advice for bushfire-impacted businesses, last chance to apply for a Local Impact Business Grant and grab a free ticket to our Business in Practice series.
Support after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires
Emergency Recovery Victoria has collated a list of all currently available supports. Access it here.
Rural Finance Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants - applications now open
Rural Finance delivers grant programs on behalf of the Victorian Government to help primary producers in times of need. Last week grants of up to $75,000 were announced to assist with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of primary production enterprises that have suffered direct damage as a result of bushfires.
More detail is now available, and applications are now open until 21 October 2026.
If you have questions about the program, call Anna McGee from Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West on 1300 735 578/ 0437 129 044 or email anna.mcgee@wswrcs.com.au
Look Over the Farm Gate community grants program extended
The state-funded Look Over the Farm Gate community grants program has just reopened for Round 2 to meet the immediate needs of bushfire affected communities.
Amounts between $1,500 and $5,000 are available for members of the agriculture industry or farming community, for a wide range of projects. Anything from family fun days through to sports activities or creative workshops. The focus is on events or activities that support mental wellbeing and bring people together - whether through capacity-building mental health initiatives or other creative ideas.
Insurance dispute assistance from AFCA
Many businesses affected by the recent fire will have started the process of making claims through their insurance provider. If you are not satisfied with the service provided or the outcome of a claim, you can lodge a complaint with your insurer.
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you can then lodge the dispute with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA offers a free and independent service and you can request assistance at any time.
AFCA will review the dispute and has the authority to make a decision that the insurer is bound by.
Asbestos risk following a fire - factsheets and guidance
During a fire, the amount of asbestos fibres released into the air is relatively low. However, pieces of asbestos material and some fibres may remain in the fire debris and present a risk to public health if they are disturbed while cleaning up after a fire.
Structures built before 1990 may contain asbestos (commonly in cement sheeting, roofs, eaves, flues or older vinyl flooring). If you’re unsure - assume it could be asbestos.
Stay safe:
- Avoid disturbing ash and debris
- Do not dry sweep or use blowers
- Don’t cut, drill or sand damaged materials
- Lightly wet down debris to reduce dust
- Wear basic PPE (mask, gloves, coveralls)
- Keep children and pets away.
- For clean-up or removal, use a licensed asbestos removalist.
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria has a fact sheet with information about the health risks of asbestos and safe disposal of asbestos after a fire.
Click below to access information to identify, manage, remove and dispose of asbestos, and legal duties that apply in different situations, as an employer, self-employed person, employee or commercial property owner.
Workforce Australia - help with employment-related matters
The Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program assists business and individuals with resources and advice for all employment-related matters generally, and advice now for those whose employment or business have been affected by the recent fire event in Harcourt.
The federally-funded program supports tailored, local approaches to meet local workforce needs. The program can help you access resources supporting fair dismissal, reskilling, employment opportunities and much more.
You can contact the local Job Coordinator, Chris Booth, on 0439 750 702 or Chris.Booth@localjobs.org.au
Youth-friendly places and spaces survey
Council wants to know how youth-friendly our local businesses, organisations, and public spaces are. Feedback from our young people will help us create resources to make community spaces more welcoming for young people and shape future youth-friendly projects across the shire.
Businesses can print out and display a poster to encourage involvement from young people aged 12-25 years who live, work, study or play in Mount Alexander Shire.
Local Impact Business Grants - submissions close 1 February
Last chance to submit your application for Council's grant program supporting local businesses, business groups, farmer networks and community organisations working with business.
💲Up to $5,000 per project
🗓️Applications close 1 February 2026
Calling all creative entrepreneurs! You're invited to our Business in Practice series
Fundamentals for Creative Entrepreneurs is a free half day of professional development for artists, makers and creatives in the first stages of getting their business set up.
The Small Business Bus will be on site for walk-up expert advice.
🗓️Wednesday 11 February, 1.00pm to 8.00pm
📍Castlemaine Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St
💲Free
Tell us how your business has been affected by the current fire event
We want to know if your business has been affected by the current fire event in our region.
Council wants to know how many businesses have been impacted, and to what extent. We can connect you to support services and advocate on behalf of shire businesses for state and federal support.
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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.