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.
The re-signing ceremony took place on Friday October 31 at the Kyneton Town Hall, attended by Commissioner McAlary-Smith, Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, Mayor Cr Dom Bonanno, Deputy Mayor Cr Kate Kendall, Councillors, and members of Council’s Business Friendly Councils Working Group. Representatives from the Victorian Government’s Business Friendly Councils (DJSIR) program were also in attendance.
The Charter, a formal partnership between local government and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), 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 collaborate with the VSBC to pay small businesses promptly for goods and services, streamline approval and permit processes, support and engage with local business networks and proactively manage disruptions caused by infrastructure and capital works projects
Following the ceremony, Commissioner McAlary-Smith joined local business operators and HR professionals for a Hybrid Working Workshop facilitated by Swinburne University and hosted by Council’s Economic Development team at Social Foundry, Kyneton.
The workshop explored the challenges and opportunities of the evolving world of work, featuring insights from Swinburne University’s latest research into hybrid work practices. Participants from sectors including retail, accommodation, hospitality, home-based enterprises and food services shared their own experiences and ideas.
Commissioner McAlary-Smith said the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between councils, researchers and business owners in shaping the future of work.