Since the launch of the Victorian Chamber’s Grant Finder tool, hundreds of Victorian businesses have already searched for the support they need – and found it. Don’t miss out!

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!

As want for personal transport puts pressure on our roads, coupled with a shift to electric vehicles, Transurban’s latest report reveals our acceleration toward a transportation renaissance.

As we continue to endure Lockdown Six from home, fewer employees are willing to leave their new routines. Here is what every employer should do to look after their employees.

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 Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s prompt announcement of a new $400 million State and Federal Government support package, which will give businesses the confidence they need to get through Lockdown Six and continue the recovery from Lockdowns Four and Five.

Just as Victorians were beginning to enjoy the freedoms we have missed, the State has been plunged into its sixth COVID-19 related lockdown.

A little over a week since Lockdown Five came to an end, the State Government announced Victoria would once again go into a circuit-breaker lockdown. (UPDATED)

The Victorian Government’s further tightening of border controls with New South Wales has left border businesses reeling, with yet another strain placed on their operations.

Michael Hastings, founder of Hastings Ostrich Farms, operates one of Australia’s few breeding farms of ostriches. While his business may be unique, he faces a common problem.

No other industry over the past 10 years has faced greater challenges than the taxi industry. Simon Purssey explains how 13cabs stayed in the drivers’ seat and navigated hazards.

Swinburne University is calling on employees to participate in a research survey to understand how employees feel their employers are contributing to a mentally healthy workplace.

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.