December 2017 Edition

Published on 01 December 2017

2017 has been a busy and exciting year for the Hobsons Bay business community. In addition to delivering a range of events and workshops, we have enjoyed meeting many local business operators and hearing about your achievements.

Please note that the Hobsons Bay City Council offices will be closed from 1pm on Friday 22 December and re-open at 8am on Wednesday 27 December. The offices will also be closed on Monday 1 January.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses that have participated in and supported Council's economic development programs during 2017. We hope you all have an enjoyable break and look forward to sharing our 2018 program will you in the new year.

If you have any questions about doing business or investing in Hobsons Bay, or any suggestions for programs that you would like to see delivered in 2018, please contact us at business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

The federal government has just launched a new business grants search tool, making it easier to search for grants and assistance for your business.

The new tool allows you to browse programs by category and is based on outcomes, including 'Starting a Business', 'Buying equipment' and 'Taking your idea to market', meaning you no longer need to scroll through long lists to find what you are looking for. You can also search by your postcode to see support services and events in your local area.

For more information or to search for grants and support services for your business, click here.

Council's Energy$mart program helps eligible businesses to save energy by upgrading lighting, installing solar power generation and obtaining government subsidies and finance.

To date, Council has assisted with the implementation of 22 projects through its Energy$mart program and local businesses have achieved energy savings of more than $240,000 per annum!

As a Hobsons Bay business you may be eligible for a subsidy of up to $5,000. For more information or to apply, click here or contact Council on 03 9932 1298.

Map for Impact is a ground-breaking study to identify and map Victoria’s social enterprises and explore their social and economic characteristics.

This project is led by the Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne, and has been commissioned by the Victorian government DEDJTR to understand the size, characteristics and baseline impacts of social enterprises across Victoria.

If you would like to list your social enterprise on the Map for Impact and gain valuable exposure to new customers, submit your details here.

Council proudly supports a number of events to celebrate the festive season in every corner of our city including carols by candlelight services, as well as Santa appearances and Christmas craft markets including the Altona Beach Market – every Tuesday in Pier Street.

Council provides funding to support events that attract people to the city, helping strengthen the visitor economy including retail, hospitality and tourism spending; coming up Sunday 17 December the Williamstown Open Water swimming event attracts more than 1,000 registered swimmers and more than 4,000 attendees, several registered from interstate and many from outside the western region. Just after Christmas, Essential Shakespeare previews its Victoria season of Twelfth Night at the historically significant Williamstown Botanic Gardens. The start of a great year of ensuring Hobsons Bay is truly on the map.

Additional summer events include:

Australia Day in Altona - Friday 26 January

Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay - 10 February

The Summer Sounds - various dates

Movies by the Bay - various dates

Looking for more local activities and events? The Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre is open every day except Christmas and Good Friday, offering residents and visitors a wealth of information on what to see and do in the local area. If you're visiting Williamstown, drop in and see the friendly volunteers at Commonwealth Reserve.

We hope that even people who do not celebrate Christmas will come together with their friends and family to enjoy the festive season. For more information on these events and more, contact Hobsons Bay City Council on 9932 1000 or visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Calling all businesses and people who love golf, are committed to the community they do business in, don’t mind a spot of networking, competitive fun and being outdoors! The third annual Hobsons Bay Community Fund Golf Day is being held at Kooringal Golf Club on 23 March 2018.

This exciting event will fund community grants for local organisations, and there will be many ways for business to connect and be involved, from registering teams, sponsorship, and contributing prizes. Click here to register or contact Craig on 0408 055 125 for more information.