To our Maribyrnong Business Community, 

We are already at the end of January and the sun is shining brightly across our wonderful City.

After a short break, the Economic Development team are ready to kick off the year with some exciting projects to provide business support and networking opportunities in our community which will help local businesses grow and prosper. More information will be revealed over the coming weeks. 

Have you listened to our business podcast series How The West Is #1? These podcasts tell the stories of local business owners and their journeys to becoming successful businesses in the west.  It's an ode to humble beginnings and innovative ideas, revealing fascinating and inspiring stories about doing business is the City of Maribyrnong. Learn more about our podcasts in the story below. 

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming podcast and chat about your business, email the Economic Development Team today.

Best Wishes
Economic Development Team, Maribyrnong City Council


How the West is #1 is a business podcast series released by Council in late 2021 that takes a look into the back-stories of some of our local business owners and how they have gotten to where they are today. 

The first series featured 5 business operators, and podcast host Jules Brooke (of 'She's the Boss' fame) guides us through a friendly and informative conversation that highlights that there is no one single path that leads us towards business success.

The podcast series is available to stream from a number of places such as 'A-Cast', Spotify, or iTunes, so when you feel like a bit of inspiration jump on line for a listen.
Listen now on A-Cast.

A second series of the podcast will be commissioned by Council and if you have an interesting back story to your business that you'd like to share, send us an email to business@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au with a few dot points by Friday 4th February to be considered for the second series. 

The only requirements to be considered are that you have a business located within the City of Maribyrnong and you have your business profile added FREE to the Maribrynong Localised platform.
Did you know your obligations under the Australian Consumer Law still apply whether you run a business online or at a bricks-and-mortar store?

Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a business online.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing, quarantining and isolation may make you feel anxious, stressed and worried. These are normal responses during difficult times.

Learn about mental support services you can access

Start, Now have partnered with LaunchVic to help more early stage founders take the leap through a pre-accelerator program to help their business idea grow. 

If you have an idea that has high growth potential, has technology as a key component of the idea and a can-do attitude, then this FREE program is for you. 

The Pre-Accelerator program is due to commence of 16 February so be quick to apply! 


Learn More 

The Victorian Government has announced more essential workers will be eligible for an exemption from close contact home isolation requirements to attend their workplace.  

Workers in the following sectors are eligible for an exemption:  

  • emergency services such as police, fire services and the SES  
  • prisons and custodial services  
  • critical utilities such as gas, electricity, water and waste disposal  
  • freight and transport operators, including at ports and airports  
  • primary, secondary and early childhood education  
  • critical care services that support our most vulnerable.  

More Information

Density Limits
Current Density limits for indoor trade is 1 person per 2 square metres. For specific information about your sector visit the Business Victoria website for up to date changes. 

Rapid Antigen Testing Requirements for Businesses

If a worker who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has worked indoors in the work premise during their infectious period, they must inform their workplace as soon as possible.

The workplace must identify and inform other workers who are contacts (including sub-contractors, but not patrons).

Testing requirements:

  • If they have symptoms, they must use a rapid antigen test, or a PCR test if they cannot access a rapid antigen test
  • If they don't have symptoms, they are strongly recommended to use five rapid antigen tests (one per day)
  • If they test positive on any rapid antigen tests, they must report their result, isolate for seven days and follow their checklist.                                         
More Information 

All Victorians that test positive to COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test must now report this result to the department via our website. The link to submit a test result is available here: COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form.
 

Return to the Class Room
There are a number of changes to COVIDSafe settings ahead of School Term 1 commencing next week. Students from Grade 4 and up are required to wear a mask to school and will be required to test twice a week with Rapid Antigen Tests provided by State Government. Teachers will also be required to be triple vaxxed and to wear a mask. In the event that a teacher becomes ill, replacement teachers will be deployed. 

If a classmate is COVID positive, students are no longer considered close contacts, but parents will be notified and expected to monitor their kids for symptoms. 

Read more about COVID advice for schools

Are you a small or medium business in the food or beverage manufacturing sector? An Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) grant can provide funding to help you improve energy efficiency and lower power bills.

Read more here