2021 was another year where COVID dominated our actions and aspirations. It has been a challenging and difficult time for all businesses, but the good news is that most appear to have come out of 2021 a little bruised, but still intact.

Throughout the year the Economic Development team worked to offer a wide range of supports to local businesses. Our Adaptation Service offered businesses the opportunity to access $1000 worth of expert advice and help free to local businesses. COVID support services for small businesses was a focus from Moyne Shire in the last two months of 2021.

The Facade Improvement Program offered a maximum of $5000 to businesses on a 1:1 cost sharing basis. The program was well subscribed and many businesses in the main streets of our towns have benefitted. 

Moyne Shire has been proactive in waiving the cost of some fees and permits to local businesses. The Local Laws team has worked with the Economic Development Team to ensure that businesses can successfully operate outside, with pavement permits allowing for a more flexible presence on the street.

The events team has continued to work toward making the Shire a "must-see" destination and the success of the recent Visitor Information Services summit, the Moyneyana festival and our many other events is a testament to this. Anticipation is growing for the return of the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Street Fair.

Our commitment to small business continues with Moyne Shire Council signing up to the Small Business Friendly Council Charter. The charter is a commitment between Moyne Shire Council and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC)  working together to create a fair and competitive trading environment for small businesses. To find out more CLICK HERE 


2021 has certainly been a challenging year. We hope your experiences in 2022 will be more positive and productive for you all.        

Did you know that approximately 70% of all industries in Australia are classified as non employing (sole traders), micro (0-4 employees) or small businesses (5-19 employees)? In Moyne Shire, sole traders represent approximately 50% and micro and small businesses make up another 30%  of all registered businesses. The implication for Moyne Shire is that non-employing, micro and small business investment and support is pivotal to the success of the region.

The Moyne Shire Economic Development and Tourism Team offers a range of small business support services such as; 

  • Providing information and knowledge to assist you to start your business

  • Assisting you to find solutions to meet the day to day needs of your business by building your knowledge through seminars and workshops

  • Helping the region lay solid foundations for a future that is sustainable for business by identifying funding and growth opportunities

  • Supporting businesses to promote their services and products both locally and more broadly through Tourism and Association partnerships.

Check out the link to Our Business Services to find out more about our resources, our initiatives, our events and our networks that may help you.   


Keep the 31st January clear! We are offering a fantastic Workshop in Port Fairy for those wanting to start their own business or who have recently started their business and would like to use this course as a practical checklist. 

Can't make this one? The Workshop will be repeated in Koroit in February so you're covered!

Further details of how to register for the workshop will appear on the Council's website and Facebook pages over the coming weeks.

Be a part of the Long Weekend Street Fair this March. Thousands of people come to Port Fairy over the long weekend to celebrate great music, fantastic food and a beautiful location. Sounds like a winner!

If you'd like your business to be a part of this opportunity go to  Port Fairy Street Fair Proposal 2022 to find out more.

The impacts of the COVID virus continue. Staff shortages that were present before Christmas are compounding as more and more people fall victim to being exposed to the virus.

Businesses are required to meet manage mandatory regulations as outlined by the Victorian State Government. For many business owners, the impacts of not controlling the operations of your business can be stressful, frustrating and seem very unfair. Negotiating your way through the complexities of compliance and balancing financial viability requires a practical approach.

Do you have customers that don’t appreciate how difficult it is for you and take pleasure in letting you know their feelings as loudly as possible?

The first thing to remember is that there are some people who are just like that. You experienced it pre COVID and they’re still there! Take a deep breath.

Tip 1
Make sure, before you open for business each day that you have organised, prioritised and communicated clearly what your service is offering. You need to be consistent, be honest with staff and customers and be sure you can deliver what you say you will.

Tip 2
Try not to get defensive toward irate customers. Any excuses you give the customer for not meeting their expectations may fall on deaf ears. They don’t want to hear how short staffed you are, how your orders didn’t arrive or how the post has delayed deliveries. The best approach is to listen to the complaint. Speak clearly, do not raise your voice. Outline what your service will do in response to the complaint. If the customer is not ready for your solutions, apologise and suggest they move on. Knowing you have done the best you can will give you peace of mind and confidence to better manage the “customer who is always right” the next time.

Tip 3
Afterwards, make sure you review your organisation and communication decisions to ensure what you say you are doing, you are. Ensure that staff, or you as a sole trader, represent your business in the way you want it to be represented. Check out Managing Customer Complaints for more help.

Are you sure you understand the isolation protocols? Do you know what a close contact is? Do I have to deep clean between guests, service times and shifts?

Tip 4
From the 6 January 2022, Victorians can now use the Rapid Antigen Test at home to test for COVID. A PCR test is no longer required to confirm the result. Citizens must immediately isolate for seven days and inform the Department of Health of their positive status. Click here to access the form Report a Positive Result This will help businesses get their employees back sooner as there is no delay now in waiting for PCR results, meaning that, the seven days isolation requirement can start immediately.

Tip 5
A close contact is someone you have spent more than four hours with who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility. Access this link to help you understand what is required to remain COVIDSafe What to do - COVID Checklist

Tip 6
Maintaining a clean environment is fundamental to good business practice and it is recommended that cleaning occur regularly between customers accessing your service. Mask wearing takes on a greater role with the confirmation that the Omicron variant is an airborne transmitter Managing the Omicron Variant

Over the last 12 months life has been difficult for some small business owners. Stress and concern about yourself and the health of your business can be quite debilitating. To help you, small business owners and employees can now get free and confidential access to wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisers.

Click on the Partners in Wellbeing Helpline for assistance or go to Workplace Wellbeing  

The Victorian Government has announced the first COVID-19 Event Insurance product to give Victoria’s events sector the confidence to plan events in 2022.

The insurance, backed by State Government and provided by VMIA, the Victorian Government's Insurer and Risk Advisor, is available to organisers of creative, business, sporting and community events in Victoria with expected revenue or costs of between $20,000 and $10 million, that have to be cancelled (or have to run at reduced capacity) because of a State or Federal Government restriction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
It’s available for purchase from Wednesday 15 December 2021 for events held between 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022.
 
For more information click here. 
Understanding the signs of a mentally healthy workplace is tricky - especially when you can't see them. The WorkWell Toolkit will help you control hazards that you can't see and help you on your way to creating a mentally healthy workplace, fulfilling your responsibilities as an employer.

To find out more go to Mental Health Toolkit for Small Business 

The $3 million Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program opens for applications on 5 November 2021. The program will support community cultural, heritage and arts organisations in regional Australia to continue their important work, and to re-engage with their local communities as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is delivering the CHART program in 2021-22 on behalf of the Australian Government. Grants of up to $3,000 (plus GST where applicable) will support museums, galleries and historical societies to implement activities that stimulate local economies. The $3 million Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program is open for applications now. The program will support community cultural, heritage and arts organisations in regional Australia to continue their important work, and to re-engage with their local communities as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is delivering the CHART program in 2021-22 on behalf of the Australian Government. Grants of up to $3,000 (plus GST where applicable) will support museums, galleries and historical societies to implement activities that stimulate local economies. 

Further details about the CHART program are available on AMaGA’s website below, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and program guidelines. Applications will close on 29 April 2022, or when the funding allocation has been expended, whichever is sooner. Applications will be assessed in batches of 100. Applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.

Website:  www.amaga.org.au/CHART

Email:       chart@amaga.org.au

Information is also available on the Office for the Arts website: https://www.arts.gov.au/covid-19-update 

The Regional Jobs Fund looks to support projects which create employment opportunities across industry sectors where regional competitive advantage exists. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • food and fibre

  • advanced manufacturing

  • professional services

  • new energy technology

  • medical technology, life sciences and healthcare

  • transport, defence and construction technology

Applications close on 30 June 2022

For more information click the link HERE