On this page you will find useful information and resources to help support business through the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS AND OBLIGATIONS
The Victorian Government is further easing restrictions, with changes coming into effect from 11.59 pm on Thursday 22 September 2022.
For full details, click here.
Guide to COVIDSafe workplaces
- Understand vaccination requirements - Workers in most sectors must be vaccinated to work outside their home, unless an exception applies.
2. Respond to a symptomatic worker or a COVID-19 case in the workplace - If a worker has COVID-19 symptoms, their employer must:
3. Understand close and social contact requirements - Mandatory requirements apply to a person who is a close contact or a social contact of a person diagnosed with COVID-19.
Visit the Checklist for COVID Contacts to confirm what type of contact you are, and what requirements you need to follow.
4. Create and review COVIDSafe Plans - Businesses or organisations with on-site operations (including home-based businesses) must have a COVIDSafe Plan. For more information, visit COVIDSafe Plan.
5. Check face mask requirements - Face masks are required in some indoor settings and must be carried at all times when outside the home, unless an exception applies. VisitFace masks - when to wear a face mask.
6. Improve Ventilation - Improving ventilation and encouraging air flow from outside can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in the workplace.
7. Display Signage - Signs, posters and templates for your workplace are available in various languages to support COVIDSafe workplaces.
8. Other industry-specific settings - Some industries have specific requirements in addition to those outlined above, including healthcare, aged care and airports. For information on industry-specific settings, visit Pandemic (Workplace) Order.
Not sure where to start or need further assistance?
To view all funding options, visit the financial support tab above. You can also go to the Business Victoria Grants and Programs website.
If you prefer to speak with someone, please contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15 or Council on 5772 0333 and ask to speak with someone in our Business Partnerships team.
If you are wanting to connect with business owners locally, reach out to your local business and tourism association or other business colleagues. You can also sign up to Council's Business Update emails here. We're all here to support each other!
BUSINESS INFORMATION
My Business Checklist
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COVID Safe Plan
Wondering what the current COVID-19 restrictions and requirements are for your business?
Have a look at the list below, or click here for more information.
Are you a home based business or visit homes in your daily work?
Check out the Home-based businesses and visiting homes for work FAQs to understand your obligations.
COVID-19 Financial Support
To view current financial support available for businesses, please visit Business Victoria Grants and Programs website. Here you will find a number grants and programs to support business and business related activities.
Are you a small business with less than 2 employees and your turnover is less than $75,000 per year? You can get advice by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and selecting the 'microbusiness concierge service'. You can get advice about your eligibility for Victorian Government business grant programs and referrals to Victorian Government business support programs. For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Funding – Quick List – The Murrindindi Shire Funding Finder has a COVID Quick List that provides details on current COVID-19 funding available to business and individuals.
Financial incentives and programs to support employment of staff
Wage Subsidies
Wage subsidies are a financial incentive to encourage employers to hire eligible participants in ongoing jobs by contributing to the initial costs of hiring a new employee. Wage subsidies can help to build a business and give employers greater flexibility in their hiring options. Click here for full details.
JobMaker Hiring Credit
The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme is an incentive for businesses to employ additional young job seekers aged 16–35 years. Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2022. Find out about the eligibility criteria and how to register here.
The Jobs Victoria Fund
Jobs Victoria wage subsidies of up to $20,000 are available for eligible employees who hire eligible job seekers. Wage subsidies can be used to meet the costs of taking on new employees for the first 12 months of employment. To qualify for the subsidy you must employ someone from at least one of the priority groups recognized as being most affected by the economic impact of the pandemic.
You can apply for a wage subsidy for up to 20 full time equivalent employees depending on the size of your business. For full details, eligibility requirements and program guidelines click here.
The National Work Experience Programme
Under the National Work Experience Programme, businesses host job seekers in unpaid work experience placements of up to 25 hours a week over a maximum 4 week period. Being a National Work Experience Programme host provides an opportunity to give a job seeker the chance to show they could be the right fit for your business. An incentive payment of $300 (GST inclusive) may be available to businesses for hosting a National Work Experience candidate. Businesses who offer job seekers ongoing employment after the placement may also be eligible for a wage subsidy. Click here for more information.
Energy Saving Incentives and Programs
Solar for Business Program
From May 2021, Solar for Business rebates will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with small businesses eligible for a rebate of us to $3500. Find out more here.
Small Business Energy Saver Program
The Small Business Energy Saver Program discounts the cost for small businesses to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. Energy-efficient equipment includes hot water systems, reverse cycle air-conditioners, fridges and freezers and can save your business on running costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information and to make an appointment, click here.
Financial Assistance
If your business is facing financial hardship and you would like to access additional help in meeting your financial obligations please see the below website
Grant Seeking - Funding opportunities to grow my business
Council's Grants and Contributions Program offers a range of funding assistance and grant streams. Find out more here, or click on the links below.
There are a number of opportunities for businesses to access support in managing the impacts of COVID-19, implementing changes, planning for the future and sharing of experiences and ideas.
Council encourages businesses to seek advice and support for their existing networks. This may include accountants, bookkeepers, business advisors and local business and tourism associations.
General:
Tourism and Accommodation:
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Click for Vic is Visit Victoria’s new $2 million marketing campaign encouraging Victorians to get behind the tourism industry by buying local products online.
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The Australia Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is offering free listings for 12 months. If you're a tourism business, get listed now! ATDW is the place where all key regional and state tourism websites get their information.
Agriculture:
- Seasonal Workforce Industry Support Program
The Victorian Government is providing funding for peak industry bodies and organisations in priority harvest regions to help farm businesses recruit and retain workers.
Peak industry bodies and organisations in priority harvest regions and sectors will be invited to apply for grants for additional staff and resources to help Victorian farmers meet this year’s seasonal workforce challenges brought about by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For further information, contact a Seasonal Workforce Coordinator. Further support and a comprehensive list of Victorian Government programs available to agricultural businesses can be found here.
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Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (AEIP)The AEIP provides free on-farm energy assessments and on-farm energy grants for eligible participants. AEIP supports on-farm businesses to improve energy efficiency, manage energy costs, improve energy reliability and support own-generation capacity. Read the guidelines before applying here.
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Agriculture sector support – coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic - (DOCX, 130KB) The Victorian Government is here to help you adapt and be COVIDSafe, with support available to help with worker relocation, induction and training, business adaption, sourcing seasonal workers and more. For more information about the available support, visit Agriculture Victoria here.
There are a range of resources available to help support your business operations during COVID-19.
COVIDSafe Workplaces
- All business in Victoria require a COVIDSafe Plan
- Find out more about Workplace Obligations here
- Information for employers, small businesses and workers on the COVID-19 vaccines and how to manage risks from COVID-19 in the workplace can be found here.
Helpful COVID-19 Guidelines
Cleaning
Manufacturer Response Register
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Resources
Fair Work Australia
Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection
Industry peak bodies COVID-19 Information
Victorian Chamber of Commerce Resources
BUSINESS INFORMATION
My Business Checklist
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COVID Safe Plan
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Vic QR Code Check In
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Vaccination Customer Check In
Wondering what the current COVID-19 restrictions and requirements are for your business?
Have a look at the list below, or click here for more information.
Are you a home based business or visit homes in your daily work?
Check out the Home-based businesses and visiting homes for work FAQs to understand your obligations.
Do you know about the QR code requirements and how to support customers to check in?
There have been recent changes to customer and employee check in – click here.
Relevant businesses including hospitality must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service to check-in customers, workers and visitors, with some limited exceptions. Within these business settings, every visitor must check-in, regardless of how long they are at the premises.
Do you need help understanding what COVID-19 restrictions and obligations relate to your business?
Check out the Industry COVIDSafe Settings information and FAQs that are listed under each industry sector – click here to view all sector list.
Are you up to date with the recent changes to testing and contact management?
The Victorian Government has announced new isolation and testing requirements for COVID-19 cases and contacts as recommended by National Cabinet, with new pandemic orders taking effect from 11.59 pm on Thursday 30 December 2021.
The orders are an extension of Victoria’s current settings with a close contact defined as
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someone who lives with a confirmed COVID-19 case
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someone who has spent four or more hours with them in a house, care facility or accommodation
Under the new orders Victorians who test positive to COVID-19 must isolate for seven days from the date of their test. This is reduced from ten days.
PCR tests in Victoria will now be available for anyone who has symptoms and anyone who has tested positive to a Rapid Antigen Test.
Please refer to the Checklist for COVID contacts for more information.
COVID-19 Financial Support
To view current financial support available for businesses, please visit Business Victoria Grants and Programs website. Here you will find a number grants and programs to support business and business related activities.
Are you a small business with less than 2 employees and your turnover is less than $75,000 per year? You can get advice by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and selecting the 'microbusiness concierge service'. You can get advice about your eligibility for Victorian Government business grant programs and referrals to Victorian Government business support programs. For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Funding – Quick List – The Murrindindi Shire Funding Finder has a COVID Quick List that provides details on current COVID-19 funding available to business and individuals.
Financial incentives and programs to support employment of staff
Wage Subsidies
Wage subsidies are a financial incentive to encourage employers to hire eligible participants in ongoing jobs by contributing to the initial costs of hiring a new employee. Wage subsidies can help to build a business and give employers greater flexibility in their hiring options. Click here for full details.
JobMaker Hiring Credit
The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme is an incentive for businesses to employ additional young job seekers aged 16–35 years. Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2022. Find out about the eligibility criteria and how to register here.
The Jobs Victoria Fund
Jobs Victoria wage subsidies of up to $20,000 are available for eligible employees who hire eligible job seekers. Wage subsidies can be used to meet the costs of taking on new employees for the first 12 months of employment. To qualify for the subsidy you must employ someone from at least one of the priority groups recognized as being most affected by the economic impact of the pandemic.
You can apply for a wage subsidy for up to 20 full time equivalent employees depending on the size of your business. For full details, eligibility requirements and program guidelines click here.
The National Work Experience Programme
Under the National Work Experience Programme, businesses host job seekers in unpaid work experience placements of up to 25 hours a week over a maximum 4 week period. Being a National Work Experience Programme host provides an opportunity to give a job seeker the chance to show they could be the right fit for your business. An incentive payment of $300 (GST inclusive) may be available to businesses for hosting a National Work Experience candidate. Businesses who offer job seekers ongoing employment after the placement may also be eligible for a wage subsidy. Click here for more information.
Energy Saving Incentives and Programs
Solar for Business Program
From May 2021, Solar for Business rebates will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with small businesses eligible for a rebate of us to $3500. Find out more here.
Small Business Energy Saver Program
The Small Business Energy Saver Program discounts the cost for small businesses to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. Energy-efficient equipment includes hot water systems, reverse cycle air-conditioners, fridges and freezers and can save your business on running costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information and to make an appointment, click here.
Financial Assistance
If your business is facing financial hardship and you would like to access additional help in meeting your financial obligations please see the below website
Grant Seeking - Funding opportunities to grow my business
Council's Grants and Contributions Program offers a range of funding assistance and grant streams. Find out more here, or click on the links below.
Partners in Wellbeing Helpline - 1300 375 330
The Partners in Wellbeing Hotline is here to help small business owners and their employees manage feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The Helpline offers free and confidential one-on-one access to wellbeing and mental health coaches who understand exactly what you're going through. Since much of the stress you are experiencing may involve financial issues, the Helpline can also connect you to specialist financial counsellors. To find out more, click here.
Mental Health Support for Small Business Owners
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners the support they need. Run over six sessions, coaches with a small business background will work with you to overcome difficult issues, providing you with practical skills to manage stress and get you back to feeling like yourself. Find out more here
Business Tips and Tricks to help with stress
There are also business advisory services available to provide business advice and support
Don't forget, you can also contact Council's Business Support Hotline on (03) 5772 0333, or reach out to your local business and tourism association or other business colleagues. We're all here to support each other.
You can also find a comprehensive list of mental health options on Council's Mental Health Support web page.
Business Continuity
Business continuity refers to a business’s resilience and ability to respond quickly to an interruption. Below are resources to support business continuity planning.
Business Planning
Business planning refers to the activities undertaken to create a roadmap for your business and develop it into a formal plan.
Digital Information
Information to support your business with digital technologies and managing cyber security.
Financial Information:
Information and services that can assist you to effectively manage your business finances.
- If you need financial advice, you could speak with
- Your Accountant / Financial Planner / Advisor / Bookkeeper
- Free Financial Counselling Services
2. Helpful Resources
Free courses for hospitality businesses
Restaurant and Catering Association, in collaboration with Upskill My Business are now offering free micro-credentials through new course offerings. Courses include Communication and Administration Techniques, COVID-19 Hospitality Best Practice and Getting your rosters right and more. Explore free training courses here.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
Webinar: COVID-19 Business Webinar on Digital Engagement
Victorian Chamber of Commerce
With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we operate our businesses, now has never been a better time to re-evaluate your digital engagement strategy as more people move online.
The Victorian Chamber is delighted to present a COVID-19 Business Webinar on Digital Engagement, hosted by VCCI Chief Executive Paul Guerra alongside a dynamic panel with expertise and experience in succeeding in a digital environment.
Our guests, Ben Hall (Managing Director, Frankly), Carmel O’Keeffe (General Manager Digital Life, Museums Victoria) and Caroline Ralphsmith (Executive General Manager Customer Engagement, Victoria Racing Club) will explain practical steps towards building a strong digital strategy and presence, and discuss how they’ve modified their business operations to capitalise on some of the disruptions as a result of coronavirus.
Webinar: Is it time to go digital? Pondering the pivot
Business.gov.au
With so many Australian businesses in a COVID-19 holding pattern, is now the right time for digital transformation? Listen to the ponderings of two facilitators from the Entrepreneurs’ Program, Tony Shannon and Rob Olver, who believe even a small change can create a huge impact for your customers.
Podcast: AgVic Talk
Agriculture.vic.gov.au
AgVic Talk is a new podcast series from the Victorian Government that will look at problems and solutions for managing bushfire recovery, drought and dry seasonal conditions, weather and climate, as well inspiring stories from young farmers.
Date: Available on demand
COURSES
Course: Managing Customer Expectations, a guide to the Hospitality Industry
In collaboration with Business Victoria, Restaurant & Catering Association are proud to offer Managing Customer Expectations, a guide to the hospitality industry training. This training is offered free to small business owners in Victoria to equip them with the tools, templates and resources for the business to plan, start and thrive. It covers the following areas:
COVID-19 Hospitality Best Practice understanding
- Managing customer understanding and expectations
- Managing difficult situations and behaviours
- Maintaining currency with health department directives
The Managing Customer Expectations, a guide to the hospitality industry training is offered specifically for small business owners in Victoria and is offered free. At the completion of the course and competency given, you are awarded a digital badge (within 24 hours) which can be added to your LinkedIn profile, website, digital streams and CV and/or resume.
Other weekly webinar series you may be interested in
- The ACCC provides 13 online modules focused on what you need to know if you are advertising, selling and purchasing goods and services.
- The Fair Work Ombudsman provides courses for employers through the online learning centre on a range of topics including - hiring employees, managing performance and difficult conversations in the workplace.
Tourism Australia Coronavirus Webinar Series
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Insight Series
Business Victoria offers practical help with free online courses, live and on-demand events and a range of business resources to help you prepare for a strong recovery through Business Victoria.
We are excited to welcome regional visitors back to Murrindindi Shire. Please follow all physical distancing guidelines and respect measures put in place by our local businesses.
If you would like to speak with a someone in relation to tourism and events in Murrindindi Shire, please contact Council's Tourism and Events team by phoning (03) 5772 0333 or emailing events@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Visitor Information Servicing
Murrindindi Shire’s Visitor Information Centre in Yea (Y Water Discovery Centre) is open. The Centre will be open 7 days a week, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily. The Yea Wetlands Kiosk will be open on weekends from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
For any visitor enquiries, please contact the Y Water Discovery Centre on 5797 2663 or email visitorinfo@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
For information on the many great things to see and do in Murrindindi Shire please visit discoverdindi.com.au or follow @discoverdindi on Facebook and Instagram. You can view the Discover Dindi Event Page here.
Event Information
You can view the Discover Dindi Event Page here.
For up-to-date information about a specific event, please contact the event organiser directly.
Please contact Council to discuss options for running an event and we'll work to ensure that the event adheres to restrictions in place at the time.
For more information on event restrictions, please visit the DHHS website.