We would like to sincerely acknowledge the difficult time many businesses are currently experiencing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

We continue to follow advice from Australian and Victorian governments and urge you also to seek up-to-date information from health professionals and relevant government departments. The health and safety of our community is our number one priority, and it is hoped the measures being implemented will slow the spread of the virus and protect our community and local businesses.

In the past week we have seen many businesses thinking 'outside the box' and changing the way they service their customers by diversifying their service offering and using available technology.  We encourage you to take this opportunity to find new ways of doing business. Here at Council we have organised an 'Amended Services Directory' page on our business website to list your business and showcase what you are doing during this time. To add your business to this listing, click here. 

Over the weekend, Council also announced a community support package to assist small businesses who may be struggling from the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  We are committed to supporting our business community throughout this challenging time and we are working very hard to bring relevant information to you as it is announced. In this edition of the e-works newsletter we have collated a range of information in relation to recent announcements, resources and support available to businesses.

Many have already asked us what the federal stimulus package means to your business. A free webinar from local finance business Modoras will take place on Wednesday 25 March. 

Stay tuned for more details via the Hobsons Bay City Council social pages and if you have any questions email us at  business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. We are in this together. 

Click on the below links for the latest updates and measures:
- Federal Government measures
- State Government measures
- Hobsons Bay City Council community support package
- Department of Health news
- Australian Taxation Office

To stay up to date with relevant information click here. If you would like to know how to reduce your risk and exposure click here.  

Both AusIndustry’s Contact Centre (Ph: 13 28 46) and www.business.gov.au are playing a key role in promoting and advising business on the government’s small business measures that were announced recently by the Prime Minister.

The call centre is available seven days a week from 7am to 9pm daily from Monday 23 March.

Further information on the COVID-19 stimulus measure can be found on the www.business.gov.au website that has been updated with information on the latest round of stimulus support for business.  

The Department of Health have set up a dedicated hotline. 
If you suspect you have COVID-19 call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398 - open 24 hours, 7 days. 

Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

The federal government has announced a $66 billion, second coronavirus stimulus package.

To find out what is available to small businesses, and how you can claim it click here. 

Join local finance experts Modoras Melbourne Director Alf Couceiro in a deep-dive session where he will explore what the federal government stimulus package actually mean for  you and your business

Date: Wednesday 25 March
Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Cost: Free
To register: click here

Local businesses are doing an amazing job of diversifying their offering and need our support. We have compiled a list of local businesses who have changed their services during this time, and can be found at www.hobsonsbaybusiness.com.au.

This webpage is a central place where the community can see what businesses are offering across Hobsons Bay and we will keep promoting this page and listed business offering during this lockdown period.

Hobsons Bay City Council is setting up a Business Crisis Network with volunteer mentors.

Council will facilitate and match business operators with mentors for confidential one-on-one mentoring sessions. 

Council will provide a website to host Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and explore ways to support businesses. It is likely that many of our businesses have the same questions, so please let us know. We will do all we can to get the answer to your questions and post them on our website for you all to see. 

Please email any question to business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Is your business affected by the coronavirus? The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have waived their membership fees for one year of all Victorian businesses in a bid to help.

As the number one independent voice for Victorian business, the Chamber is there to support businesses towards growth and prosperity.  

For more information click here. 

This 30-minute online training module is for health care workers in all settings. It covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19.
For more information click here.