Welcome to the Hobsons Bay Business e-Works update.

With many businesses reopening from today at 6pm, upon having reached the 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone, we are excited for Hobsons Bay to get back to business!  

As businesses reopen it is important to understand the requirements in place for your particular industry and think about how you communicate these requirements to customers.  Visit the Hobsons Bay Business 'Current restrictions and resources' page to access a resource pack put together by the Victorian Government to help support your business.  Included in the pack are guides for how to check the vaccination status of your workers and customers, how to deal with difficult customers, posters to display in your business and more. 

We would like to thank all of the businesses who nominated for the 2021 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards.   We are pleased to announce the finalists for each category which can be viewed  here.

Join us!
Winners will be announced Thursday 11 November. The evening will be celebrated through a virtual awards ceremony streamed live with businesses and residents invited to view the proceedings online.

To register to view the awards ceremony click here.


Council is reimagining our industrial precincts and seeking feedback on our vision for key industrial precincts as we move towards a more sustainable and resilient economy. We want to see more local jobs and diverse industries, sustainable and greener industries, industries that support the liveability of our city and industries that bring investment and grow the local economy.

Join an online drop-in session and learn more about the Reimagining our Industrial Areas project on Saturday 6 November, 11am to 12pm via Zoom. Learn more and have your say at Participate Hobsons Bay. Feedback closes Sunday 14 November.


Hobsons Bay City Council has endorsed its fifth community support package aimed at businesses and sporting groups, as the state government’s road map begins to unfold. Further support for businesses includes:

  • extension to the waiver of food and health registrations and waiver of footpath trading permit fees (refunds will be provided to businesses who have already paid fees)
  • rent relief to eligible tenants of Council buildings
  • an innovation and collaboration event to support local businesses to take advantage of new and changing opportunities
For more information click here.

The State Government has announced a $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package to support the costs for thousands of businesses to set up street trading, as well as help Councils to provide necessary infrastructure and assistance.   

There are 7,000 vouchers available to businesses valued at $2,000 each to help pay for the hire and purchase of furniture and equipment  and other costs.

The voucher system is now open so get in quick!  To take advantage of the voucher and learn about other grants available visit the Business Victoria website.

Join the West Metro Area of Control Team for this important conversation in support of your communities and the re-opening of the state. You will hear about: 

  • An update on the current COVID-19 situation in Western Melbourne
  • Victoria’s roadmap to reopening
  • Vaccination requirements for business operators and staff 
  • Grants and supports available for businesses 
  • Q&A with the panel members

The forum will be chaired by Ms Cathy Henderson - CEO of Moreland City Council. Cathy will be joined by senior representatives from the Western Public Health Unit (WPHU), Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) and the Department of Health to provide updates and to answer your questions. 

Monday 1 November from 7pm to 8pm

MS Teams Online Meeting 
Join the meeting by clicking here at 7pm.

Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. Business advisers offer free 45-minute sessions at selected locations around Victoria.

Monday 8 November  from 10am to 4pm

Borrack Square
On the street in front of the carpark on McArthurs Road
Altona North 3025

To register,click 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.