Victorian business support and worker payments bolstered

FURTHER support is available for Victorian businesses struggling through the latest lockdown, industry support minister Martin Pakula announced on Wednesday.

A $282.5 million funding injection means 90,000 businesses and sole traders will now share in up to $484.3 million worth of support to help them through the current lockdown.

Under the new funding, eligible Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund recipients will receive $4200, taking their total payment to $7200, while Business Costs Assistance Program recipients will receive $2800, increasing the total grant to $4800.

Businesses that had previously chosen not to apply for support can apply for the new support payments.

“We’re making sure the businesses most affected by the lockdown have a chance to emerge from it in decent shape, so they can continue to play their vital role as employers and drivers of Victoria’s economy,” Mr Pakula said.

Additionally, funding of up to $25,000 will be available for public events organisers, $10,000 for event suppliers, and up to $7000 for live performers missing out on work.

Sporting clubs also get a shot at pulling back some lost money, with $2000 grants for cancelled or postponed community sport and recreation events up for grabs.

“Local clubs rely on annual and one-off events to fund their everyday operations, which benefits players, supporters and the wider community,” Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said.

“We’re proud to be backing these important organisations in tough times.”

The extra funding was announced on Wednesday, following the extension of Victoria’s lockdown for another seven days.

It is in addition to support for employees who have lost work due to the lockdown of up to $600 a week under the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

Digital Editions


  • Fighting fires in Mallee scrub

    Fighting fires in Mallee scrub

    WITH fires burning through two Mallee national parks on the weekend, and a pair of the blazes still to be contained, the environment fire crews…

More News

  • Mobile coverage upgrades on the way

    Mobile coverage upgrades on the way

    TELSTRA mobile base station upgrades at Irymple are scheduled from Thursday 27 to Saturday 31 January, with the aim of bringing a better 4G and 5G coverage to customers. The…

  • Royal commission will bring ‘momentum for change’

    Royal commission will bring ‘momentum for change’

    A ROYAL commission examining the Bondi terror attack will be an impetus for change across the community, Australia’s chief envoy for anti-Semitism says. After weeks of pressure following the 14…

  • Peg your leg at pirate pool party

    Peg your leg at pirate pool party

    AHOY me hearties! The Irymple Progress Association is holding a pirate pool party to help celebrate council grants to support engagement in the community. The party, which will be at…

  • Van-tastic laughs at the Setts

    Van-tastic laughs at the Setts

    DESPITE an aversion to public toilets, the VanLife comedians Nicky Wilkinson and Mick Neven, who are bringing their comedy show to the Setts in Mildura on Thursday 12 February, agree…

  • Circus evolution is a revolution

    Circus evolution is a revolution

    SUNRAYSIA residents don’t need to spend a fortune on tickets to Las Vegas to see a circus act, the Cirque Nouvelle is on its way to the Mildura Arts Centre…

  • Rural Aid begins new partnership

    Rural Aid begins new partnership

    RURAL Aid recently announced a partnership with WFI Insurance aimed at supporting rural communities facing disasters. Rural Aid’s association with WFI began in April 2025 when the insurance group donated…

  • Travelling Wilburys tribute band to play

    Travelling Wilburys tribute band to play

    THE Travelling Wilburys were the supergroup of the late 1980s, consisting of superstars George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison. The group was the brainchild of…

  • Nowingi the place to be on 26 January

    Nowingi the place to be on 26 January

    NOWINGI Place is just one of the locations in Sunraysia where Australia Day celebrations will be in full swing on Monday 26 January. Mildura City Council is encouraging people to…

  • The power of creativity

    The power of creativity

    Making Artisan Chocolates for Beginners Andrew Garrison Shotts UNLEASH your creativity and elevate your chocolate-making skills with Making Artisan Chocolates for Beginners. This affordable and concise edition is a beginner-level…

  • Value for everyone

    Value for everyone

    Cr Ali Cupper Mayor Mildura Rural City Council AS I touched on in this same publication last week, Mildura Rural City Council’s financial sustainability and ensuring our residents continue get…