COVID-19 business support information

Find out more about current COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria (Victorian State Government Coronavirus website)

You are encouraged to download and print the following signs and posters to put up around your workplace.

They cover hygiene and changes to business operations due to COVID-19.

Victorian government posters and signage

• Signs, posters and templates

Nillumbik Council posters and signage

• Download Nillumbik COVID-19 posters for business(PDF, 155KB)

Annual registration renewals for registered food, health, beauty and accommodation businesses are mailed to business owners in late October.

As part of Council's commitment to supporting local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, registered businesses can apply to Council for support.

Businesses suffering from financial hardship can request a registration fee reduction and/or payment instalments.

Fee reduction

Businesses may be eligible to receive a 30 per cent reduction of the 2022 registration (including Streatrader fees). 

Payment instalments

Payment instalments will enable the business to pay in two instalments instead of a lump sum.  The first payment is to be made by 30 November 2021 and the second by 31 December 2021. 

More information

For more information regarding the registration of food, health and accommodation businesses please see Business permits, or contact the Environmental Health team on 9433 3340 or at health.services@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

How to apply

Complete the online form and receive a response within three business days.

Apply for a fee reduction

Footpath trading permits are now available for retail businesses.

Nillumbik Shire Council footpath trading permit fees have been waived until 30 June 2022.

Footpath trading permits are required to: 

• display goods for sale on the footpath
• provide outdoor eating facilities on the footpath
• display an A-Frame advertising sign on the footpath

As per Victoria’s Roadmap, once we reach 70% of Victorians over 16 fully vaccinated general retail businesses will be able to ‘open for outdoor service only (plus contactless click and collect/delivery)’.

To support re-opening Council is offering retail businesses apply for this permit to conduct transactions to sell products outside their business. Please note that the use of these permits will be subject to the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Apply for a footpath trading permit

COVIDSafe outdoor dining and entertainment initiatives have proved popular and have given businesses further scope to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the recent impacts of lockdowns Council will extend outdoor dining permits until 1 July 2022 and support local hospitality businesses to operate in a COVIDSafe way.  

Footpath trading permit fees will continue to be waived until this time.

Any businesses wishing to explore outdoor dining options will need to complete an expression of interest form.

Complete an expression of interest 

We encourage Nillumbik residents to support local businesses by visiting our local cafes and restaurants as we begin to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

We have created a directory of local businesses that have outdoor dining options which allow for social distancing and safe access.

To include your business in the free outdoor dining directory;

Submit your listing here

There are grants and programs available to support businesses:

• Business Victoria Grants and Programs
• Nillumbik Grants Hub

Partners in Wellbeing

The Partners in Wellbeing helpline offers free and confidential one-on-one access to experienced wellbeing coaches who understand exactly what you’re going through. They have the skills and insights to improve your sense of wellbeing, help you develop coping strategies, and provide the advice and support you need to get through this difficult time.

The telephone helpline has also been expanded to provide business owners under stress with free access to financial counsellors and business advisors.

If you are distressed or anxious about your business, please call Partners in Wellbeing on 1300 375 330 from Monday to Friday 9am–10pm, Saturday to Sunday 9am–5pm. 

Other mental health support resources

If you know of anyone that you are concerned about in relation to their mental wellbeing, some of the supporting groups are:

• Beyondblue Phone:1300 224 636
• Headspace Phone: 1800 650 890
• Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14
• Salvation Army Phone: 1300 662 217

The following business and tourism associations are independent groups of businesses who work together to represent and achieve the needs of local traders and the wider business community.

Council works in partnership with three traders association within the Shire which are run by trader committees.

These committees organise marketing campaigns, events and activities which benefit the interests of local traders, and are accountable to its members. 

Nillumbik Tourism and Business

Nillumbik Tourism and Business is a regional organisation for local business providing networking, professional development and advocacy.

President: Richard Doville

• Email
• Nillumbik Tourism and Business website 

Hurstbridge Traders Association

President: Ian Mason

• Email
• Hurstbridge Traders Association website 

Diamond Creek Traders Association

President: Claire Nolle
Vice President: Paige O'Connor
Marketing Coordinator: Anna Henderson & Yvette Standfield

• Email
• Diamond Creek Traders Association website 

Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry

President: Nicole Staveley

• Email
• Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry website 

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) provides a formal mechanism for Council to consult with key stakeholders to seek specialist advice on economic development issues, initiatives, policies and strategies.

• Economic Development Advisory Committee

It is mandatory for every Victorian business with on-site operations to have a COVIDSafe Plan.

To ensure compliance, random spot checks are occurring throughout Victoria.

Your COVIDSafe Plan must demonstrate:

• your actions to help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 to your workplace
• the type of face mask or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace
• how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some industries or workplaces are subject to additional industry obligations and have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans regularly, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite

• Download the COVIDSafe Plan template
• Find more information at the State Government Coronavirus website

Some venues and businesses are required to undertake electronic record-keeping, and must use the Victorian Government QR Code Service through the Service Victoria app.

Sign your business up here 

Reduce your risk of Coronavirus

Simple steps to reducing your risk of Coronavirus. 

• Reduce your risk of coronavirus poster 

Fact sheets

More links 

• COVID-19 Infection Control Training
• How to clean and disinfect after a COVID-19 case in the workplace
• How to dispose of PPE from households(PDF, 316KB)
• Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic(PDF, 93KB)