Wynning Locally

Wyndham City Council’s $5million WynLocal economic support package has been fine-tuned to complement the packages announced by the Federal and State Governments over the past four weeks.

Wyndham City Mayor Cr Josh Gilligan said that since Council approved the $5million WynLocal Economic Support package at a Special Council Meeting in March, State and Federal Governments have announced a range of economic support packages, which are likely to benefit the majority of businesses in Wyndham.

“That’s why we carefully considered and tailored our WynLocal package to complement these packages rather than replicating them,” Cr Gilligan said.

The WynLocal package has four key elements:

Waiving of Council fees and charges directly related to business operation in Wyndham. Rate deferral for six months for eligible businesses operating in Wyndham in commercial, industrial or agricultural zones. A free professional services advice program. A business recovery and growth program – with grants available for businesses that meet eligibility criteria including the ability to adapt post COVID-19 and potential for growth.

Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Josh Gilligan said that while the first three elements of the package will commence immediately, the timing of the Business Recovery and Growth Program will align with the very early stages of transition to “recovery” and initial relaxation of social distancing protocols.

“This strategic approach will ensure successful applicants use any grants towards a business growth strategy in a post COVID-19 economy, rather than a short-term fix,” Cr Gilligan said. 

“We’re committed to supporting local business and that’s why we put a number of initiatives into place, including easy to navigate information on Council’s website that explains what support is available and how to access it.”

“The Wyndham Open campaign and business directory has been rolled out to encourage our residents to buy local whenever they are able to do so.”

“In the spirit of buying local, we’ve procured the services of 12 local professional services advisers to deliver free one-hour specialist consultations to participating small Wyndham businesses.”

“I continue to be impressed by many of our local businesses which have quickly adapted their business models in response to the impacts of COVID-19. Initiatives range from cafes and restaurants that offer takeaway and delivery to wholesalers like our local Barrumundi farm now offering home delivery, and manufacturers that have introduced split shifts to enable social distancing.”

“We have also set up a dedicated business support enquiry form and telephone number for local businesses to get in touch with our Economic Growth team.”

Residents can look up businesses operating in Wyndham and local businesses can register at: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/wyndhamopen

For all relevant information including Federal and State Government stimulus packages, WynLocal support and assistance, WynLocal Professional Services Advice Program visit: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au