Macedon Ranges Shire Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for local small businesses by re-signing the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter with Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith, committing to make it easier for businesses to operate, grow and thrive across the region.
The re-signing ceremony was held on Friday 31 October at the historic Kyneton Town Hall. The event was attended by Commissioner McAlary-Smith, Council CEO Bernie O'Sullivan, Mayor Cr. Dom Bonanno, Deputy Mayor Cr. Kate Kendall, and fellow Councillors. Also in attendance were members of Council's Business Friendly Councils Working Group, Council Managers and Coordinators, and representatives from the Victorian Government's Business Friendly Councils (DJSIR) program.
The Small Business Friendly Councils Charter represents a formal partnership between local government and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC). It outlines a shared commitment to making it easier for small businesses to operate, grow and thrive.
"Re-signing the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the local business community," said Mayor Dom Bonanno. "By working closely with the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, we're making it easier for businesses to grow, innovate and thrive, creating more opportunities for jobs and economic growth across the Macedon Ranges."
By re-signing the Charter, Council has renewed its pledge to work collaboratively with the VSBC to:
Pay small businesses promptly for goods and services
Streamline approval and permit processes
Support and engage with local business networks
Proactively manage disruptions caused by infrastructure and capital works projects
Following the re-signing ceremony, Commissioner McAlary-Smith attended a Hybrid Working Workshop facilitated by Swinburne University and hosted by Council's Economic Development team. The event, held at Social Foundry in Kyneton, brought together local business operators and human resource professionals.
The workshop opened with a discussion between the Commissioner and attendees about the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving world of work. This was followed by a presentation from Swinburne University on the latest research into hybrid work practices, along with local insights and experiences shared by participating businesses. Attendees represented numerous sectors including retail, accommodation, hospitality, home based and food services. Commentary from the businesspeople involved, as they enjoyed a networking lunch, indicated the value of both the conversation with the Commissioner and the hybrid working workshop.
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