To our Maribyrnong Business Community, 

In this month's edition, we share news about the Victorian Government's announcement that from 6.00pm tonight, Friday 18 February, a number of restrictions will ease and recommendations will be put in place to manage the State's Omicron surge. 

We also want to share how Council has been working hard to make our City 'A Smart City for Smart Communities' with the development of the Draft Smart Cities Strategic Framework. Council seeks your feedback and you can learn more about Smart Cities in the article below. 

There's lots to get through in this month's edition, but if you have any comments, queries or suggestions email business@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Best Wishes
Economic Development Team, Maribyrnong City Council

The Victorian Government has announced the easing of a number of restrictions and recommendations in place during the state's Omicron surge.

From 6pm Friday, 18 February 2022: 

  • density quotients at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed
  • indoor dancefloors can reopen
  • QR code check-in will no longer be required at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces
  • QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all 'vaccinated economy' settings, such as hospitality and entertainment venues
  • mandatory surveillance testing for key industries will become recommended only
  •  requirements for hospital worker 'bubbles' will be at health services' discretion
  •  international arrivals' permits will no longer be required 
  •  the 14-day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren’t fully vaccinated or medically exempt will reduce to seven days.


Further details on the new restrictions will be published online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.


With the rapid acceleration of new technologies, Council is committed to using innovation and technology to support a green, liveable and sustainable environment for our community to enjoy well into the future.

Together with our residents, businesses, industries and partners, we intend to make the most of the opportunities and benefits of digital technologies, data and innovation to keep our community healthy and safe through Smart City initiatives.

We are now looking to continue this Smart City journey, more formally, with the development of a draft Smart Cities Strategic Framework titled "A Smart City for Smart Communities" that will confirm Council’s intentions, plans and initiatives to address local challenges through community focused and technology driven action.

We want to check with our community that we are on the right track. You can view the draft Smart City Strategic Framework and provide feedback by visiting:

https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/smartcity 

A Smart City for Strategic Framework

In2 Energy are offering a FREE 735 Litre drinks fridge valued at $3860 for your cafe, restaurant, office or factory. 

The Small Business Energy Saver Program is an initiative run by the Victorian Government, and energy efficient equipment can save your business running costs and can also reduce greenhouse emissions. 

To be eligible your business must: 
  • have 1-29 employees (full time equivalent)
  • have a commercial non residential premises
  • have an electricity supply to the commercial premises (bill information required)
Fore more information or to apply for your FREE fridge, visit the In2 Energy Website

Small business owners looking to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff are being given access to vital resources to help their staff. 

The Government announced free access to Mindarma – an evidence-based online mental health support tool, is being made available to Victorian small businesses and their employees to help with daily challenges and the uncertainty due to the pandemic.

Supported by the Black Dog Institute and the University of NSW, Mindarma is an education program developed by leading researchers. Through 10 short interactive sessions accessible on computer, tablet, or smartphone, users learn mindfulness and cognitive techniques for resilience and to manage workplace stressors.

Learn More Now 

The Australian Taxation Office has a free webinar series for small business, split into different session topics that cover both general and industry-specific areas of tax obligations. Topics also include running a home-based business, becoming an employer and closing a small business. Register here.

Applications close 2 March

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship grants program supports a diverse range of projects that help achieve gender equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and entrepreneurship. Read more

The Business Elevate Program is ready to start in March!  We were thrilled with the high level of interest that came through for this first pilot program, which came out of a review of Council’s Business Improvement District Grant program.

A total of 60 small businesses owners have been able to redeem vouchers valued at $2,000, and have been “matched” with 25 different “Preferred Business Suppliers” – all based within Maribyrnong City.  After the initial first round of 35 vouchers were issued (and seeing the overwhelming number of applications), Council was able to offer a further 25 vouchers from the overflow of applicants, bringing the total value of grants issued to $120,000.

The businesses will be working together between March and May 2022 to deliver on a variety of projects and initiatives.  We are excited to see how the program participants enjoy the benefits of this new Business Elevate Program, and look to expand it in the future.

She's the Boss, together with Maribyrnong City Council will be hosting the first
Women in Business Lunch for 2022. 

Hosted by Jules Brooke, a local PR super star who sees opportunity everywhere, this event is the perfect way to get out there and meet new business women from the West. 

If you identify as a women in business and are seeking opportunities to network and mingle, this lunch is for you! There's no agenda, and no pressure- Just come along on your own or bring a friend and enjoy making connections with other likeminded business people, whilst enjoying a drink and light lunch in the heart of Footscray! 

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 1 March 2022
Time: 12pm
Cost: $30pp
Location: The Plough Hotel, 333 Barkly Street Footscray

Book your place now