COVID-19 Resources for Business

Agriculture Victoria has set up a webpage with advice for animal owners and people in agricultural businesses, including those working with livestock.

There is currently no evidence that animals play a role in the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus or that animals become sick. However, there are still things animal owners can do to care for themselves and their animals.

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The Australian Tax Office has set up a page with information about assistance that can be provided through the COVID-19 situation.

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The Australian Tax Office also offers webinars aimed to support businesses with tax related issues during the COVID-19 situation. Find out more and sign up for a webinar.

We're encouraging everyone to shop local and support local business. Share your details on councils website and share how your trading during the coronavirus situation.

View the directory or add your details

We are working to support our community during these unprecedented and difficult times. Working together, we can support each other and those who need it most. We are encouraging you to be kind to yourself, be kind to others and be kind to business.

We've also created information sheets and a re-opening pack to help you.

Find out more

Business Victoria has set up a page with information about what support is available through the COVID-19 situation, with some Frequently Asked Questions and answered.

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Some webinars will be occurring in coming days, giving businesses skills and tools to communicate, re-evaluate and restructure businesses during the COVID-19 situation.

Visit our business events page

Victorian Chamber of Commernce webinars 

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/Victorian-Chamber-of-Commerce-Industry-weekly-Webinar 

Please note that these events are not run by Council, that they require an internet connection and there may be a cost to take part.

Eastern Regional Library provides access to free resources to boost your business in the digital age via the online platform BizLibrary. Membership requirements for these resources have been lifted so accessing BizLibrary is quick and easy!

Access BizLibrary

The Federal Government has expanded eligibility for income support payments during the COVID-19 situation and added an extra payment for benefit recipients.

This payment will apply to recipients of the Jobseeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payments, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit recipients.

A new, time-limited coronavirus supplement of $550 will be paid to recipients from 27 April, 2020, for a six month period. This extra payment will not be income tested.   

Access to these payments has also been expanded, to support people who are stood down or lose their employment.

Read more about income support

Support is available to help business manage cash flow challenges and retain employees during the Coronavirus situation.

Assistance includes:

• JobKeeper payment
• Boosting cash flow for employers
• Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses
• Increasing the instant asset write-off
• Backing business investment
• Supporting apprentices and trainees

More Information can be found on the business.gov.au website: 

• Support for Sole Traders
• Support for Employers
• Support for Companies

For more information on Council's rate relief package visit our rates relief page.

To receive our regular email newsletters, which include updates about coronavirus and its impacts, sign up below: 

Yarra Ranges Local

Our monthly digital newsletter covers community-wide updates on projects and, currently, general messaging about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Sign up

Yarra Ranges Business

Our business newsletter has industry-related messaging, advice and updates about COVID-19 and running a business in the region.

Sign up

Information and links to support for those in the Creative Industries effected as a result of COVID-19.

Support for Creative Industries

If you're concerned about COVID-19, are distressed or worried about being in isolation or sick, please visit the Head to Health website for mental health support links and phone numbers to find support, or information if you're supporting someone else. 

Lifeline also has resources on its website, and by calling 13 11 14. 

Beyond Blue has tips available for people worried about Coronavirus and can be contacted on 1300 224 636

Young people in the community (under 25) can contact:

• Youth Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Eheadspace on 1800 650 890

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will waive membership fees for one year for all Victorian businesses up to a value of $700. Existing members will receive an additional $500 credit.

VCCI members can access support and expert advice about running a business.

Read more

 Women On The Go is a collaboration between Maroondah City Council, Knox City Council, and Yarra Ranges Council. The event celebrates the importance of women in business and empowers you by connecting you to other like-minded women. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 situation, our Women On The Go event was held virtually.

View our Women on The Go event page