COVID-19 business support information

The impacts of COVID-19 on our economy and community have been significant.

Here are some resources that can support your business though this challenging time.

Current COVID-19 restrictions

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

COVID-19 posters and signage for your business

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

Nillumbik Council posters and signage

Outdoor dining directory listing

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

Funding and support for businesses

There are grants and programs available to support businesses:

Wellbeing and mental health services for small business

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:

Business and tourism associations

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

Hurstbridge Traders Association

President: Ian Mason

Diamond Creek Traders Association

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

Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry

President: Nicole Staveley

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.

Free contactless thermometers for businesses

While thermometers are not mandatory for businesses, temperature checking is a further preventative measure you can take when operating on-site to protect your employees and customers.

Thermometers will be made available free of charge to businesses who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Business has a registered Australian Business Number (ABN) Business and has a registered Victorian premise located in Nillumbik
  • Business is operating with staff physically onsite or a business is operating within an enclosed environment

There is a strict limit of one thermometer per business site/premise, per 20 employees. An additional thermometer is permitted for each additional 20 employees i.e., if your business employs more than 20 people, you are eligible to receive an additional thermometer to a maximum of five per site.

To receive your free thermometer, email business@nillumbik.vic.gov.au 

COVIDSafe Plan for business

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