Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

We are excited to announce that Council have approved the continuation of the Hobsons Bay Business has Heart Outdoors program on an ongoing basis.  

The program has assisted approximately 200 businesses to maximise their trade over the past two years and we look forward to the continuation of al fresco dining and the activation of our public spaces ongoing!  

Emails have been sent to all participating businesses with information on the program's continuation. If you are a new business interested in finding out more about the program email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au 
The COVID Help team will be visiting businesses in Newport during May. As of 22 April 2022 further restrictions were eased however COVIDSafe plans are still required. 

Changes include: 
  • patrons are no longer required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue
  • check-in using the Service Victoria app has also ended
  • face masks are no longer required in hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size but are still required on public transport, at airports, sensitive health, aged care and justice settings
The following resources are also available to assist small businesses during their post COVID recovery process: 

Jobs Victoria Support 

Jobs Victoria is helping businesses find employees through their online hub. Registration followed by a quick chat with someone from Jobs Victoria will connect you to possible employees. 

To register, visit the Jobs Victoria Digital Hub.

Small Business Digital Adaptation 

Small Businesses in Victoria can register to try selected digital business management tools. After the trial, the registered business can buy one of the products they have tried and will get a rebate of up to $1200 to access the product for 12 months. 

For more info visit the Business Victoria website. 

Small Business Ventilation Program 

The Small Business Ventilation Program provides two types of grants to enable small businesses to improve the ventilation systems in their establishment. There is a Ventilation Rebate of up to $500 for immediate projects and a Ventilation Grant of up to $5000 to invest in larger projects.

For more information visit the Business Victoria website.



The community will soon be able to access hundreds of Council services at Hobsons Bay libraries. You’re invited to help us celebrate and join the launch on Thursday 26 May at Williamstown Library and Friday 27 May at Altona North Community Library and Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre. With roving performers, free workshops, live music, children’s activities, exhibitions, giveaways, delicious food and hot drinks, there will be something to delight or enthral everyone.

Be sure to stop by and say hi to the Economic Development team at our stall! 

For details, visit Hobsons Bay City Council website. 

Vote for your favourite community-driven ideas and go into a draw to win great prizes as part of Community Pitch 2022/23. Thirteen ideas have been shortlisted to vote on and Council will deliver the community’s favourite ideas in 2022/23.

Get in quick - voting closes 1 May 2022.

To vote, visit  the Participate Hobsons Bay website.

Council’s Proposed Annual Budget 2022-23 features $56.78 million in major infrastructure projects across the city, and funding for over 100 vital community services. You’re invited to provide feedback on the proposed budget at the Participate Hobsons Bay website outlining the budget.

As part of this year’s budget consultation, we’re also inviting community feedback on the Asset Plan. The Asset Plan will be Council’s roadmap for managing, maintaining, and renewing our infrastructure which contributes to Hobsons Bay being a great place to live, work and study.  To provide feedback visit the Participate Hobsons Bay website outlining the asset plan. 
Tax time is quickly approaching - are you up to date with the latest requirements?  

The Small Business Newsroom offers a variety of resources to ensure small businesses have the information they need to manage their taxes and superannuation.

The latest articles available include: 
  • COVID-19 tests and fringe benefits
  • changes to super for under-18's
  • top tips to help complete your BAS 
  • updates on fuel tax credit rates 
Visit the Small Business Newsroom for all your tax and super news.
All events below are subject to change given current uncertainty. In the event that COVID-19 restrictions do not allow for these events to be held in person, they will either be moved online or postponed.  Businesses registered to attend the events will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.  Please register in advance so that we can keep you informed of any last minute changes.
Council invites business professionals from across Hobsons Bay to come together for the Discover Your Own Backyard Coffee Connect business networking series.  This is a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee, promote your business and share ideas while meeting business owners from a range of different industries.  

Wednesday 04 May from 7.30am to 8.30am 

Elephant Cafe
70 Maddox Road
Newport

To register and view future events visit Hobsons Bay Business.
This Business Victoria workshop is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of what marketing is, as well as provide insight into key actions required to be successful in marketing your business.

Tuesday 17 May from 9am to 11am 

Altona Civic Centre 
115 Civic Parade 
Altona

To register and view future events visit Hobsons Bay Business.

Calling all Hobsons Bay technology sector businesses!

We are planning an upcoming IT/Tech business networking event on Thursday 19 May.

The networking event is aimed at identifying and connecting IT and Tech businesses in Hobson's Bay and starting to build a community of businesses.

Please register your interest in this exciting event by submitting an expression of interest form here.


The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential service offering small business owners and their employees one-on-one access to trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisors. Call the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline on 1300 375 330 for assistance between 9am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. A live chat function is also available on the website. 

For a list of other resources available visit the Mental Health in Business webpage.