Business Victoria

At Bellarine Wholefoods, owner Alyssa has made refill shopping part of everyday life.

Rows of pantry staples, cleaning products and household essentials are available in bulk, so customers can top up what they need without the extra packaging.

🌿 On World Refill Day, businesses like this show that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated and Alyssa sees that every day in her store.

🎤 'Refill shopping isn’t about perfection. You don't need a pantry full of matching jars, a zero‑waste lifestyle, or to buy everything in bulk.

Sometimes it's bringing back one olive oil bottle, refilling your laundry liquid, or buying just a teaspoon of a spice you need for a recipe.'

🥶 Don't let winter freeze your cash flow.

Many businesses see seasonal changes this time of year, but a few simple habits can help keep money moving.

Here's how to stay on top of it: https://go.vic.gov.au/4ghqg6M

Wondering if your business is on the right track?

A chat with the Small Business Bus team might make things clearer.

We are on the road travelling across Victoria, so make sure to book your FREE appointment or check the schedule to see where we are headed.

Bookings: https://go.vic.gov.au/4x7jFlt

HOTEL QUARANTINE (BUSINESS LOSSES) CLASS ACTION

5 Boroughs NY Pty Ltd v State of Victoria & Ors (S ECI 2020 03402)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO GROUP MEMBER DEFINITION

THIS NOTICE IS VERY IMPORTANT AND IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO AN ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA – PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY

The class action

The Plaintiff has been conducting a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria, on its own behalf and on behalf of “group members”, against the State of Victoria and certain other Defendants. The class action seeks compensation for certain retail businesses as a result of the “second wave” lockdown that occurred in Victoria from July to October 2020. The Plaintiff alleges that the lockdown was a result of negligence in relation to the hotel quarantine program. The Defendants deny the Plaintiff’s claims and any liability.

Proposed settlement of the class action

The Plaintiff and the Defendants have agreed to settle the class action. However, the Court must approve the proposed settlement for it to take effect. If the Court approves the proposed settlement, it will apply to all group members, except group members who have opted out.

Proposed amendment of group member definition

The Plaintiff proposes to amend the group member definition. If the Court approves this amendment it may change who the group members are and this might have an impact on who is affected by the proposed settlement. The Court has therefore determined to hear the application for the amendment of the group member definition before hearing the application for approval of the settlement.

More information

Further details of the proposed amendment to the group member definition, including how you can object to the proposed amendment, can be found in the long- form notice of proposed amendment to group member definition available on the website of Quinn Emanuel, the solicitors for the Plaintiff in the class action,

at https://hotelquarantinesettlement.com.au

Here are some things we all pretend we’ll “get to later”:

The best entrepreneurs play the long game.
But every entrepreneur starts with a little imagination.

🧸 This International Day of Play, we're celebrating Victorian businesses that have turned creativity and curiosity into something bigger.

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🖌️ Founded by Beatrice Toh in Melbourne’s south-east, HeyDoodle creates reusable silicone colouring mats designed for mess-free, eco-friendly play.

🤚 Founded by Mikaela Egan, a proud Muthi Muthi and Gunditjmara woman, Ochre Dough creates naturally coloured playdough and sensory kits that connect people to Country and culture through play.

🧩 Buttonworks Australia is a family-run business on the Mornington Peninsula, designing and making puzzles, games and gifts in their studio from sustainably sourced Australian timber inspired by local wildlife.

📢 New financial year, new changes ahead.

A number of payroll, workplace and compliance changes start on day one of the new financial year.

Now’s a good time to check what applies to your business from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Changes to doing business from July 2026 Changes from 1 July 2026 affecting super, wages, leave and compliance. Learn what’s changing and the steps your business should take to prepare.

📝 EOFY is a great time to look beyond the numbers.

Whether retirement feels close or years away, succession planning can help set your business up for the future.

Start your plan with tips from the FBA AU: https://go.vic.gov.au/4ckHL3O

Think your business licence still fits what you do? 🤔

It might be time to double-check.

Business evolves, services change, and your business licence requirements may change over time too.

EOFY is a good time to review:

✔ Do your current licences match your business activities?

✔ Have you added new services or products this year?

✔ Are there any industry or compliance updates you need to know about?

Getting the right business licence helps you stay compliant and avoid issues down the track.

Licences and registrations Apply for the right licences and registrations for your business.