Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

The Federal Budget 2023-24 was handed down on Tuesday 9 May 2023 and provides funding for initiatives including:
  • small business asset write-off 
  • small business energy incentive 
  • energy bill relief refund 
  • cyber security support 
  • Industry Growth Program for small businesses and start-ups
To learn more about what the budget means for your business visit business.gov.au.

No matter what industry you are in, there are simple steps that every business could take to become more sustainable.

Join us at our monthly business networking event, with a special focus on sustainability, and hear from a panel of local Hobsons Bay businesses who are doing exciting things in this space.

Tuesday 6 June 2023 from 5.30pm to 7pm

Louis Joel Community Centre 
5 Sargood Street, Altona


Join award winning social media strategist Maree Sortino from The Social Secret as she teaches you everything you need to know about being successful with Instagram reels.

This is the perfect beginner's session for you to learn all the hints, tips and little tricks to getting reels right!

Tuesday 20 June 2023 from 10am to 12pm 

Altona Civic Centre 
115 Civic Parade, Altona


After nearly 3 years of outdoor dining, Council is reviewing the framework to incorporate feedback from businesses and the community.  We have heard your concerns and are developing a new framework that will create new ways for businesses to access outdoor trading spaces and build on the positives that have been realised through the roll out of the program.  Council officers will be contacting some businesses in the coming months to notify them of upcoming changes.  Watch this space for more updates. 

Council has been working on a review of the Industrial Land Management Strategy (ILMS) and accompanying Draft Industrial Design Guidelines (IDG).  These documents will shape employment, industrial uses and built form outcomes in industrial areas of Hobsons Bay for the next 15 years. 

Review the documents and provide feedback on the draft ILMS and IDG by 2 July 2023.   


If you have any queries please contact 1300 179 944 or email strategicplanning@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.   



With the Federal Budget handed down and end of financial year looming, there are a number of resources available to help get your finances under control. 

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

The ATO offers a range of support for small businesses and offers advice on setting up good business practices to meet obligations, practice good cash flow management and good record keeping.  Read more. 

The ATO has developed a Small Business Tax Time Toolkit for small businesses to make it easier to get tax and superannuation right.  Read more.

There are new changes to home-based business expenses. If you operate some or all of your business from home, you may be able to claim the business-use portion of expenses you incur.  Read more. 

Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC)

Watch the latest panel discussion posted by the VSBC to find out more about practical tools for managing small business debts.  Read more.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Hobsons Bay economy and plays an important role supporting businesses within activity centres.  Whether you are a hospitality business, an attraction, or tour operator, we all have a role to play in attracting new and diverse visitors as the visitor economy continues to recover to pre-Covid levels.  

Visit the new Hobsons Bay Tourism Support Portal to learn about digital marketing opportunities, tourism resources and how to make your tourism business more sustainable. 


List your hospitality business, tourism business or event on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) for an opportunity to be listed on Visit Victoria channels and other tourism distributor websites.

The ATDW provides tourism operators with a centralised, comprehensive, and cost-effective digital tourism marketing tool, helping to improve online visibility, and create more qualified conversions.

Submit a listing for FREE by 31 June 2023. Click here to learn how to apply for a coupon code. ATDW listing fees will be re-introduced from 1 July 2023. Fees for listing events will remain free beyond 1 July 2023.



Hobsons Bay City Council is developing a new Creative City plan to help inform and guide its direction for arts and culture in the city.  

Contribute to this plan by completing a survey by Friday 2 June 2023.  


The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with ARUP Group, has developed a roadmap for the business transition to a net-zero economy.

The roadmap outlines three main objectives: reducing energy prices, ensuring the reliable supply of energy, and supporting businesses in the transition to a net-zero economy.


Sustainability Victoria have announced the 2023 Premier's Sustainability Awards are now accepting entries.  Submit your entry by Friday 30 June 2023 at 5pm.  

An online information session will be held on Thursday 8 June at 11am and will provide more information and tips on how to submit a high-quality entry. 


Do you have staff that could be upskilled?

More Victorians can now access Free TAFE course or government subsidised training regardless of their current skills or any qualifications that they already have.  More than 500 subsidised courses, including 70 Free TAFE courses are available.


Click on the links to find out more: 
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.