Sunday was not the news we wanted. The roadmap fell short: short of hope, short of NSW and short of where we need to be moving to as a state.

Well, there was a welcome shifting of narrative late last week, and we are now clearly focused on a vaccination-based opening. The past week has been tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a time when lockdowns are gone and we get back to enjoying the Victoria that we love.

Welcome to the August edition of Chief Executive Paul Guerra's monthly regional column - covering issues, news and developments important to Victoria’s regional businesses.

I felt a shift in the fight against COVID-19 this week when Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarked, “this Groundhog Day has to end”. I couldn’t agree more!

The Victorian Chamber is pleased that the State and Federal Governments have again come together to announce a further $807 million in support for Victorian businesses to get through the second extension of Lockdown Six.

The State and Federal Governments have jointly announced a further $2.32 billion in financial support for Victorian businesses struggling during Lockdown Six.

Lockdowns. We’ve had a few. And there will probably be a few more before we are done. Like them or not, it’s the agreed weapon of choice to combat COVID-19 until vaccination rates get to 80 per cent. They have worked to effectively stop the spread.  

It was mixed news for the business community this week with Regional Victoria freed from Lockdown Six but Metropolitan Victoria required to stay in lockdown for another seven days.

The State and Federal Governments have today announced a joint financial assistance package for Victorian business which will give them the support and confidence they need to rebound from Lockdowns Four and Five.

On our first day out of lockdown, the Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a further $400 million in business support measures. Here is everything you and your business need to know.

Today Victorian business can get back to what you do best. It was good news we can now begin our exit from Lockdown Five and move faster than when we exited Lockdown Four.

As a General Manager at Australia’s most innovative production company, WTFN’s Derek Dyson knows all about the value of interns - especially those bringing digital skills to the business.

The Victorian Chamber has today launched a new member-exclusive service, the Grant Finder online tool, to make it quicker and easier for Victorian businesses to access grants applicable to their operations and projects.

None of us want to be in this position. Our leaders don't want to be here either. But here we are. We've been living in crisis mode for 17 months and it's taking its toll on all of us.

It has been estimated that in the next four years, over six million digital workers will be required across Australia to keep up with the rapid technological evolution.