Support for Local Businesses

State and Federal Governments announced a $29 million support package on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 which includes assistance to facilitate immediate and long-term recovery efforts. This is in response to Council's submission for Category ‘D’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) which was submitted for consideration on January 17.

The package features inclusions such as:

$5,000 grants to small businesses and eligible primary producers;

Business Recovery Advisory service which will be available on the ground through Business Victoria;

$100,000 for Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism to deliver immediate industry support activities;

$5 million for an early environmental recovery package; and

Gate Fee Rebate Program so the community can dispose of waste from private properties relating to the impact of the bushfires free of charge.

You can read their full statement here. 

We recommend anyone wanting to stay up to date on the above to sign-up with Business Victoria via the link below. The grant application process and further details on how people can access the advisory service is still being confirmed, therefore adding your details to the Business Victoria database will ensure you receive updates in a timely manner. 

Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) is a guided self-help mental health coaching program. 

It’s free, confidential and convenient. Available nationally by phone or video call, no GP referral is required. 

Over 6 sessions, your mental health coach will work with you to manage stress and overwhelm using straightforward problem-solving approaches. All mental health coaches are specially trained and have a small business background, so they understand your unique challenges.

Who can enquire?

NewAccess might be right for you if you:

Liquor licensees can apply for a reduction or waiver in their licence renewal fees.

Timeline for reducing your renewal fee

You will receive your renewal notice in November. If the fee is too high you have until:

• 31 December to apply to change your liquor licence to reduce your renewal fee
• 31 March to apply for a waiver or reduction of your total renewal fee

If you have lodged a reduction or waiver application prior to the deadline, we may still make a decision after this date.

Options for reducing your renewal fee

If you wish to reduce your licence renewal fee, there are a number of options that you should consider. You can read more on this area here. 

Business support

If your business is facing difficulties, you may consider investigating the range of business supports available in Victoria, including:

• Business Victoria: assists business owners to make decisions about their future. If business owners have any questions about re-establishing their business, or alternatively using their existing business skills to establish a new business, contact Victoria Business Line 13 22 15 or visit Business Victoria.
• Small Business Mentoring Service: is an independent, not-for-profit organisation providing experienced business mentors to Victorian businesses, including those facing challenging times. You can contact the service on 1300 816 817 or visit Small Business Mentoring Service.

Fee reduction or waivers are designed to provide licensees with once-off assistance in exceptional or difficult circumstances.

You must apply for a reduction or waiver of your renewal as early as possible. The last date is 31 March of every year; however you will be required to stop supplying liquor on 1 April if you have not paid your renewal fee. This is regardless of any waiver or reduction application you may have made.

CommBank

CommBank is providing Emergency Assistance to customers and businesses in bushfire-affected areas across Western Victoria. 

We understand each customer has different needs and encourage those affected to discuss their individual circumstances by either contacting us in the CommBank app, phoning 1800 314 695 or visiting their nearest CommBank branch, if safe to do so. Business customers can also call 1800 314 695 or speak with their dedicated CommBank relationship manager (where applicable). 

Special arrangements are in place to provide support to CommBank customers should they need it, and our teams are ready to assist them with any financial concerns or enquiries. 

For more information on the support we're providing to impacted communities, visit: commbank.com.au/support/natural-disasters

CommBank Emergency Assistance includes a range of options, including: 

• Customised payment arrangements for home loans, credit card, personal loan and some business loans.
• Waiving fees and charges.
• Temporary overdrafts, additional loans or emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).
• Waiving fees and notice periods for early access to Term Deposits.
• Emergency accommodation may be available for customers who have taken out Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank, subject to policy terms and conditions.
• Helping direct claims enquiries for customers seeking support through their Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank.
• Loan restructuring for business customers and existing loans. 
• Waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as support with merchant terminal rental fees. 

Business Victoria

Factsheet-Prepare-Respond-and-Recover-from-Emergencies-2025-Version06012025.pdf(PDF, 96KB)

Victorian Small Business Commission

Guidance-requesting-support-during-hardship.pdf(PDF, 165KB)