Support and information for businesses during COVID-19

Most patrons are great at checking in to a venue or event by scanning QR codes, but some still need a reminder. Please ensure you ask all guests if they have checked in properly. These records help contact tracers in the event a positive case of coronavirus is identified. As we recently experienced, the coronavirus threat is still real and we must continue to be vigilant so we can continue to stay safe and importantly, for business to stay open.

To help contract tracers, you should only use one platform per business, organisation, club or event. The Victorian Government has a free QR code service, which only asks patrons their first name and phone number, making the check in process quick and easy.

Victorian Government QR Code Service | Coronavirus Victoria

In 2021/22 (financial year) the Shire will invest over $10million in recovery projects, programs, and initiatives. These actions will contribute to the lasting resilience and renewal of the Peninsula. Learn more about our Towards COVID Recovery actions.

• The Shire has dedicated staff providing support to prepare and update your COVID Safe plans as requirements change.
• The Shire maintains the MP Business website with regular posts about State and Federal COVID19 announcement for businesses.
• You can also subscribe to receive the MP Business newsletters and stay up to date.

The easiest way to stay up to date with the latest COVID funding and grant opportunities is to use dedicated search tools. This will help connect you with the biggest range of opportunities, relevant to your business.

Funding Finder: The Shire has launched a free online service that enables individuals, businesses and community organisations to easily identify and access funding opportunities from local, state and federal governments as well as philanthropic grant programs. Visit and register on Funding Finder to stay up to date on the latest opportunities. Learn: How Funding Finder works for you - to help you source funding for your project.

Federal and State Governments offer a range of different funding opportunities for businesses and organisations of all different types.

• The Federal Grants and Assistance tool gives you free access to grants as well as assistance information.
• Business Victoria also has a page including grants, vouchers and assistance programs devoted to supporting businesses.

A wide range of free business resources  are collated on the Shire’s MPbusiness website.

• Free Business Webinars on topics such as: finance fundamentals, taking businesses online, business marketing, building business resilience, and commercialising new business ideas.
• Free Small Business Mentoring Clinics to support businesses on the Peninsula. These clinics are introductory sessions, where you get the opportunity for a 45 minute one-on-one with a small business mentor at no cost.
• Library membership gives you access to a range of free training resources that can help your business and staff. This includes free access to Lynda.com which offers training in online meetings, productivity tools and more. Visit the Library website to learn more.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Support Local campaign showcases the many faces of our diverse local businesses and shares it with the wider community.

The campaign captures the real people behind our hard-working community, and urges everyone – community members, organisations, and businesses – to consider how we think, spend, and recommend local. We all play a role in supporting the local supply chain, building local networks, and being involved in the local community.

At the heart of the campaign is the Support Local Business Directory. With hundreds of local businesses under various business categories, this is the place to find a local business. It's free and easy to set up, and you can edit your listing whenever you like.

Simply create a login and get started!

Stage 4 Business restrictions are now in effect on the Mornington Peninsula, you can learn more about what this means for food and health businesses: DHHS Accommodation and food services stage 4 restrictions.

For Mornington Peninsula specific information visit: Coronavirus updates, news and information.

Services and industries that are able to remain operational are required to have a COVID Safe Plan.

Employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees.

• DHHS: Permitted Worker Scheme
• Business Victoria: COVID Safe Plans and your sector
• Business Victoria: Coronavirus business support

  During restrictions, standard Food business requirements still apply.

• Business Victoria: Hospitality Industry Guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Food Safety Aus and NZ: Coronavirus and Food Safety
• Food Safety Aus and NZ: Advice for Food Businesses: What to do if staff are unwell or test positive to COVID-19

Free online training for food safety and allergen management is available for food businesses at:

• Food Safety Training: Do Food Safely
• Allergen Management:  All About Allergens Training

Environmental Health Officers are available to provide onsite advice to food businesses on the Mornington Peninsula. As businesses fully reopen, it is important staff are trained in food safety, hygiene and allergen management. If your business fully ceased trading during the previous Coronavirus dining restrictions, please contact the Shire’s Environmental Health Team to book an inspection before serving foods.

The Team can be contacted by phone (03) 5950 1050 or email CustomerService@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Learn more about Health and Hygiene for Business

Business proprietors, their staff and families can access a range of mental health services to help them cope.

• The Shire has a detailed list of resources to help with managing COVID-19 & Health and Wellbeing.
• Business Victoria offers additional mental health business resources and a listing of free mental health services.
• Beyond Blue has valuable tips for small business owners on managing mental health during coronavirus or you can call them on 1800 512 348 to speak to a trained counsellor.
• Resources are available on the Head to Health website, including self-help options and information on accessing mental health services. 
• For businesses concerned about staff between 15-25 years there is support on offer through Headspace Ph: 1800 650 890, and the Shire Youth Services team

Businesses have an important role to assist with the prevention and management of the current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Shire is regularly updating information for food businesses to assist them and further protect the community.

Advice on operating a Covid-safe business, business restrictions, personal hygiene and food safety is available from DHHS and from Business Victoria.

You can also find specific sector guidance including cafes, restaurants, food businesses, and more.

Services and industries that are able to open are required to have a COVID Safe Plan.

All employers must notify Work Safe Victoria if an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

• Work Safe Victoria has the latest information about coronavirus in the workplace: reporting a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis; preventing and managing exposure to Coronavirus; face coverings in workplaces; and a Coronavirus guide for employers.
• Safe Work Australia has a Small Business Coronavirus Planning Tool to help your business develop a COVIDSafe Plan.
• Find more DHHS information on face masks – including refusing entry to customers who try to enter without wearing a mask, and Work Safe advice on responding to work related violence