Business Mount Alexander

Social Drinks at The Taproom
2025-02-06 17:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Victoria
Please join us for our first social networking event of 2025 at the new Shedshaker Taproom!
Thursday 6 February @ 5pm to 7.30pm
Members – FREE
Non-BMA Members – $15
Book via: www.trybooking.com/CYOCW
Your ticket includes a welcome drink and finger food. Find out more about what’s in store this year!
We are grateful to NBN Local for sponsoring this event.

Monthly Committee Meeting
2024-11-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine
Business Mount Alexander holds monthly committee meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. We will be holding our November meeting on Tuesday 12 November at Senior Citizens, Castlemaine from 5.30pm to 7pm. All welcome.
Our meetings are open to the public to attend. Bring along any issues or concerns you think we might be able to assist with. If you can kindly RSVP to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au.

Social Night + AGM - The Albion Hotel
2024-10-16 17:30 - 19:00 | The Albion, 152 Duke Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
BMA’s social networking events are great for connecting with other local micro, small and medium sized businesses from throughout our Shire. We gather at interesting venues, meeting new operators and showcasing diverse businesses.
On October 16 we are heading to the Albion Hotel which has had a makeover thanks to new owners, Iam and Marcus Bennett. In their previous life in North Fitzroy, Iam and Marcus ran the Glitch Bar & Cinema, a combination of art space, alternative music venue, cocktail lounge and cabaret space. With that pedigree, we can’t wait to see what they plan for the Albion!
Join us on Wednesday 16th October from 5.30pm for drinks, canapes and good company. Free admission for BMA members and low cost for guests.
Join BMA now for only $100 and you’ll get a free admission to four (4) BMA events per annum.

AI + Social Media Hacks Workshop
2024-07-26 09:00 - 11:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
We’re super excited to announce a BMA workshop next Friday 26th July at 9am with marketing guru John Hall.
John is a multifaceted entrepreneur and marketing strategist who has dramatically increased visitation to his family business, Cactus Country in Strathmerton, thanks in no small part to his effective and creative use of social media and AI.
John is also a Marketing Advisor for the Moira Shire Council and was a recent guest speaker at the Regional Tourism Conference in Macedon where he inspired attendees with his tips and pointers for using AI in their daily business operations. Simple hacks to increase efficiencies and to improve the effectiveness of your business. John’s insight into the latest trends in social media are also mind-blowing!
Did you know that ChatGPT is set to replace Google as the go to search engine to locate businesses?
And that 90% of younger demographics turn to video platforms to discover information about new products and destinations!
Come along and be inspired, take away hacks for improving your business, and open your mind to the possibilities of how AI can help your business.
Friday 26 July | 9am to 11 am
The Taproom, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
Workshop runs for 1 hour with 1-on-1 Q&A to follow
$10 for BMA members | $15 for non BMA members
Fresh morning tea / breakfast / brunch options

Ratbag at Temperance House
2024-07-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Temperance House, 68 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Join BMA and our event partner, Cantwell Property, at our July social networking event.
We’ll be gathering at Temperance House (formerly The Empyre) to experience the hospitality of local catering legends, Ratbag Food & Drink.
Rachael Cilauro and Sarah Curwen-Walker started Ratbag as a pop-up at Boomtown before undertaking a residency at Chewton’s Red Hill Hotel. They have now attracted a great name and a solid following at their latest incarnation at Temperance House.
Join us for drinks, nibbles, networking and guest speakers showcasing some incredible local talent. All business owners and operators welcome!
Thursday 25th July 2024
5:30pm start – 8pm finish
Ratbag at Temperance House, Mostyn Street, Castlemaine
Free for BMA members | $15 for non-BMA members
Includes drink on arrival & nibbles
This event is generously sponsored by Cantwell Property. Their team prides themselves on a taking a personal and comprehensive approach and bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience to property sales and management in this region.

Social Networking at Boomtown
2024-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Boomtown, The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450
What a great night at Business Mount Alexander’s first social drinks event for 2024 at Boomtown Winery, located at The Mill, Castlemaine. Our speakers – Sharmi Cantwell from Partners in Wellbeing & Derrin Johnson, Business Advisor from AI Group will be following up with a workshop on 20 May.
See the full range of photos HERE.

BMA Committee Meeting
2024-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine
The next BMA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 13th February, 5.30pm at the Castlemaine Senior Citizens. Council’s Manager for Economy and Culture will be in attendance to provide an update on the Economic Development Strategy, whilst representatives from the Castlemaine Institute will give a briefing on the Wellbeing Economy project also underway. All welcome to attend – BMA is committed to opening its meetings to members and the general public. If you have any specific matters you would like considered, please advise BMA Exec Officer, Gen Ward on gen@businessmountalexander.org.au.

After Work Drinks at Workspace
2023-12-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Workspace Australia, 1 Halford Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Castlemaine Fringe and Business Mount Alexander invite you to After Work drinks to celebrate the season and meet the neighbours!
Join us at 1 Halford Street – downstairs in the ground floor reception area – for drinks and nibbles, with music from our good friends at MainFM.
For enquiries please email Azzy at castlemainefringefestival@gmail.com or Gen at gen@businessmountalexander.org.au
All welcome!

VGR Train to Maldon Evening
2023-11-24 17:30 - 21:00 | Victoria
BMA Social Networking: Friday 24th November. Departing Castlemaine Railway Station at 5.30pm; returning by 9pm
Join us on board the Victorian Goldfields Railway heritage train as we make our way through the picturesque bush and bucolic farmlands. In Maldon we’ll bus you over to visit the new Maldon Getaways destination centre, then another short trip out to Panacea Estate. You’ll meet winemaker Peter Christen, while admiring the scenic views over the waters of Cairn Curran.
Dinner and drinks provided. Tickets for BMA members are free, and only $25 for non-members. A great bargain, and a great way to see your Shire and connect with other fellow business operators. Book your tickets now.
NB. a shuttle bus will be available for trips to and from Maldon subject to demand and timing. Please email gen@businessmountalexander.org.au to advise if any travel assistance is required.

Mount Alexander Business Awards 2023
2023-11-15 18:00 - 21:30 | Theatre Royal, 30 Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine, VIC, 3450, Australia
The Mount Alexander Business Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses whose passion and commitment make our shire such a unique place to live, work and visit.

Entering these awards provides you with an opportunity to step away from the day to day and look at your business strategically, reflect on your hard work and all the amazing things you have achieved. You will also benefit from significant media coverage, with finalists and winners being able to utilise the ongoing media opportunities provided with the awards program.

Some other great reasons to enter:

🏆Quick and easy entry – The simplified the entry form has a maximum of 6 questions (excluding business details questions)
🏆Cash for businesses – Every category winner will receive $500 with the grand prize increased to $3,000
🏆Reimagined categories – These new categories focus on achievements not a type of business
🏆New location for the awards night – The Theatre Royal will host the awards ceremony on the 15th November 2023 this year, don’t miss out on this great night!

Complete the entry form by midnight on Monday 18 September 2023.

One on one information sessions are available for anyone who’d like to learn more about the awards, the process, and get step-by-step help with their entry. To book in a time contact: business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or call 5471 1745

Mount Alexander Jobs and Training Expo
2023-10-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Town Hall, Room 1, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, 3450
This is your chance to find your ideal job role or training opportunity.
Whether you are a school leaver, returning to work, or after a change, come along to the free expo to kickstart your journey.
At the Mount Alexander Jobs and Training Expo you will find:

Employment opportunities
Volunteering information
Gain free career and training advice
Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Register for your free ticket now!
Supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council, Castlemaine Community House and Workforce Australia Local Jobs – Bendigo.
Any questions, please contact Chris Booth on:
Mobile – 0439 750 702
Email – Chris.Booth@localjobsfacilitator.org

Networking at Old Castlemaine Gaol
2023-07-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Victoria
We know that tourism attracts visitors to our region who spend money and contribute to our economic growth and the well-being of our business community. Data shows total tourism expenditure in Victoria was $35.0billion in the year ending March 2023, an increase of 113% compared to the year ending March 2022.
A new attraction for visitors to Castlemaine is the Bromley Art Museum at the Old Castlemaine Gaol. This is an extraordinary reimagining of a significant heritage site.
Owners David & Yuge Bromley describe their collection as “deeply personal and diverse; the rattling minds of two people who are pure and simply consumed with art and creative output. We wanted to shift the axis of what the Gaol was known for, a place of despair, sadness and trauma into a place that evoked a sense of life, joy and art.”

Come and see it for yourself and hear the latest news and developments from BMA.
No cost but registration is essential for catering | Thursday 27th July, 5.30pm – 7.30pm

BMA’s event at the Old Castlemaine Gaol was terrific. Such a delight to see the art collection and chat to people in the business community. Here’s a link to more photos captured on the night by Craig Gaston.

Social Event at Red Hill Hotel, Chewton
2023-05-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Red Hill Hotel, 163 Main Road, Chewton, Victoria, 3451, Australia
BMA invites members, supporters and other local businesses to join us in a social get together at The Red Hill.
Free event | Drinks at bar prices | 6pm, Monday 29 May
The Red Hill Hotel | 163 Main Street | Chewton

Thanks so much to the Red Hill crew for hosting a wonderful evening at our Social Drinks event. Here’s some photos that capture the night…courtesy of Craig Gaston

Social Networking
2022-08-18 17:30 - 20:00 | Victoria
BMA is hosting a celebratory night to mark the achievements of the association and roll out it’s future vision by hosting the 2022 AGM. We’ll have networking drinks and canapes, plus guest speakers to discuss how businesses are addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
When | Thursday 18 Aug 2022, 5.30 – 8pm
Where | Maurocco Bar, 4 Templeton St, Castlemaine
Cost | Free
Register | via Trybooking
Catered by Alex @ Bar Midland and first drink free.
BMA is undertaking a project with funding by Business Victoria to assess how small businesses owners support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace – both for themselves and their employees.
We’ve been hosting a series of conversations with local businesses around the challenges for wellbeing across small, micro and solo businesses. We will share our findings at the Maurocco Bar event, with key information & resources about this important topic.

Networking Lunch @ The Kangaroo
2022-08-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Kangaroo Hotel, 89 High Street, Maldon, Vic, 3463
Following the success of last week’s networking lunch for the tenants at Workspace Halford Street, we are hosting a second lunch at The Kangaroo Hotel for Maldon businesses. This is an opportunity to connect and enjoy good conversation over a warming meal. BMA Secretary Gen Ward will lead a discussion about what’s working well in managing wellbeing in the workplace and share helpful resources on this important topic.
This lunch is free to attend and funded by Business Victoria – Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities Grant Program.
To book, please email gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Mainstreet Australia Castlemaine Conference
2022-08-04 | Phee Broadway Castlemaine, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Mainstreet Australia Conference 2022 is being held at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre on Aug 4, bringing together organisations and individuals committed to the success and survival of main streets and town centres, for education, inspiration & connection.
2022’s theme is ‘From Adversity to Opportunity’, highlighting that, even after such a challenging time as COVID, we are able to extract learnings and ideas and use these for the continued survival of our main streets, and the small businesses that populate them.
See full schedule for both the regional (Castlemaine) conference and the metro (Melbourne) conference. Ticket price includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and post-conference networking event, including first drink and nibbles.
The Castlemaine conference also offers an option of speed networking or a walking tour of the Main Street. PLUS, Business Mount Alexander are offering a FREE epicurean tour of Castlemaine’s Mill precinct on Fri, Aug 5 from 8am – 11am.

Annual General Meeting - 20/21
2022-06-28 09:00 - 10:00 | St Florians, Templeton Street, Castlemaine
Thanks to last year’s COVID disruptions and lockdowns, we did not host a 2020-2021 Annual General Meeting.

We’re making good on this oversight by having a very routine, run of the mill AGM on Tuesday, 28th June where we will accept the financial report for the 2020-2021 year. It is the intention of the current committee to renominate at this AGM. The Annual General Meeting will be held at St Florian cafe on Tuesday, 28th June at 9am. Please RSVP to gen@businessmountalexander.org.au if you are planning to attend.

We will follow this up with a fully fledged 2021-2022 AGM and social networking event on Thursday 18th August. Join us from 5.30pm at the Maurocco Bar at the Midland Hotel, Templeton Street, Castlemaine. A further invitation / event notification will follow.

We apologise for the delay in hosting our 2020-2021 AGM and trust you understand that this was resultant from COVID disruptions. If any member has any concerns whatsoever, please do not hesitate to email gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Creative Connections Conference | 25 & 26 May
2022-05-25 09:30 - 2022-05-26 17:00 | Phee Broadway Castlemaine, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Creative Connections is a two-day conference, hosted by BMA, to address the need for cross-sector collaboration and capacity building within the creative sector, with a focus on empowering creative practitioners with skills to operate as small businesses.

The conference will engage participants from diverse segments of the local creative and business communities. The stimulating program includes a catered networking event, a guest panel that’ll explore ways in which creative industries have transformed communities, and 6 FREE skills workshops:

• Financial literacy
• Grants and funding opportunities
• Monetising your art/product
• Marketing and promotion
• Digital skills, including tips and hacks for simplifying business tasks
• Building connections, collaborations and partnerships
The conference will be held across two venues in Castlemaine (Phee Broadway & Senior Citizens Centre).

Guest speakers at our networking evening include Kate Berry – OK Motels, David Frazer – Riverboats Music Festival, Shaun Hossack – Juddy Roller/Silo Art Trails, Suzi Cordell – Clunes Booktown Festival and Glyn Roberts – Castlemaine State Festival. Just announced… The Maes will be performing at our networking event, so please join us Wednesday 25 May at 5pm onwards – Phee Broadway Theatre.

To find out more, contact gen@businessmountalexander.org.au.
FREE REGISTRATION via Trybooking links for all workshops & social night HERE!

Main Streets of Australia Week | 16 - 22 May
2022-05-16 08:00 - 2022-05-22 17:00 | Victoria
Even before COVID, many main streets were struggling and, in some cases, dying, for reasons beyond their control; the introduction of internet shopping and development of shopping centres both came as a huge blow.
With more than 2 million small businesses in Australia, and many of these on our main streets, they do an enormous amount for the community. We need to support them, to ensure their survival, so they can continue to:
• provide a huge number of jobs to those that rely on local or flexible work,
• create local spending,
• support local causes and charities, as well as sporting groups and schools
• provide a place for the elderly or vulnerable to find their fit in the community,
• build connection and provide safe spaces, and
• allow a huge number of families to stay financially afloat.

In 2022, Mainstreet Australia, in partnership with Mainstreet SA & Town Team Movement, and with the support of Zeller, are launching a national campaign celebrating all that main streets and town centres provide to the community.
The message will be impossible to ignore as these streets, and the businesses within them, will all be sharing this message at the same time; from May 16 – May 22 aka Main Streets of Australia Week.
Business Mount Alexander will distribute posters for displaying in your shop front and social media content to share – and help remind people the importance of supporting local businesses by shopping in your main street!

Workspace Australia Networking Drinks
2022-04-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Workspace Australia, 1 Halford Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Meet the BMA Committee and hear the latest news impacting our local business community at Workspace Australia Networking event. An opportunity to socialise with other businesses at the Halford Street business hub over drinks and nibbles. RSVP gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

Castlemaine Fringe 'Creative Connections'
2022-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Business Mount Alexander will be launching it’s newest project showcasing the economic value of our local creative industries at this Castlemaine Fringe Creative Community Connection event!!

Fully catered with complimentary drinks on arrival and entertainment from MaCapella Singers and Milla Dance.

Hear from Merryn Tinkler, Council’s new Manager of Culture and Economy who will be speaking about her decades of involvement in arts leadership roles.

Plus The Fringe Thing will be conducting their AGM, so find out how you can get involved in the 2023 Fringe Festival.

Drinks at The Guildford Hotel
2022-02-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Victoria
Join us for BMA Social Drinks at the Guildford Family Hotel. Meet the new owners – Megan and Tom, and find out what’s in store for 2022, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Dinner options available.
RSVP: gen@businessmountalexander.org.au
Please note that this event will take place with strict COVID regulations in place.

Late Night Shopping
2021-12-17 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-10 17:00 - 20:00 | The Village Square, Frederick Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
BMA is excited to support retailers by hosting two late-night shopping events: on Friday 10th and Friday 17th December. Traders are being encouraged to remain open until 8pm on both these days to maximise the increased customers in town.
BMA have partnered with Council to provide live entertainment and activate the streets. The Village Square in Fredrick Street will be abuzz with entertainment plus roving performers will be moving around the town, attracting shoppers and visitors to all corners of the central business district.
This event is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council Events Grants Program.

Mount Alexander Business Awards
2021-12-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450, Australia
Save the date for this year’s bi-annual Mount Alexander Business Awards on Thursday 2 December 2021 at the Castlemaine Town Hall. Congratulations to all nominees. Finalists will be announced soon. Come along to this wonder event to help celebrate business in the shire.
Details on how to book will be available soon.

Business Mount Alexander Retailers Forum
2021-10-12 18:00 - 19:00 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
Join BMA for a Retailers Forums and help formulate a plan to increase economic spend in our Shire.
What are your pressing concerns as a retailer in our Shire?
How can BMA work with you to help achieve your business goals?
What messages can we convey on your behalf to council to support our local traders?
What initiatives can be implemented for the Christmas / holiday season?
This is a free event with refreshments available at the bar.

Disability Access Guide Launch
2021-07-01 17:30 - 18:30 | The Taproom, 1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Australia
The Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group and Business Mount Alexander invite local businesses and service providers on:
Thursday, July 1st 2021
5.30–6.30pm
Shedshaker Taproom @ The Mill
to the launch of the Disability Access Guide for the Mount Alexander Shire.
MASDAG, with the financial support of Mount Alexander Shire, has published an access guide that helps retailers and service providers increase their customer and client base by removing barriers that prevent them from enjoying local businesses and services.
For a variety of reasons, people living with a disability can experience poor or reduced access to goods and services in our Shire. The Disability Access Guide provides a checklist for retailers and service providers as a guide to improving their business so that it includes everyone.
Please join us for drinks and nibbles and your copy of a document that will benefit your business. For bookings and further information, ring MASDAG on 0439 964 179.

The Business of Climate Change
2021-06-28 18:00 - 20:30 | The Goods Shed, Kennedy Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
|| Business of Climate Change Event – New Date! ||

You’re invited to come along to THE BUSINESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM and find out about funding, finance and subsidies to help your business cut emissions, save on power bills and reduce waste.

We’ll hear first hand from local businesses who have made the switch and how it helped them save money and grow their business.

Information and displays from Sustainability Victoria, DELWP, Cola Solar, Sustainable Australia Fund, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Enviroshop Newstead, Mt Alex Sustainability Group and others.
This event is fully catered thanks to Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Book your FREE ticket now at: https://www.trybooking.com/BSGBC

Social Drinks at Love Shack Brewery
2021-05-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Theatre Royal, 30 Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine, VIC, 3450, Australia
Join us for a casual networking drinks event and meet the inspiring brewers behind Love Shack Brewery. Since launching in December 2020, Conna and Harri have been hard at work pumping out fresh frothies from the rear of the Theatre Royal and injecting great energy into the centre of town.

Come taste the fruits of their endeavours and meet up with local business folk.

Love Shack Brewery – side path to Theatre Royal
Tuesday 25 May | 5.30pm to 7.30pm
All welcome – drinks at bar prices, canapes provided.
RSVP: gen@businessmountalexander.org.au

HALT Save Your Bacon Brekky
2021-05-14 06:30 - 08:30 | KTs Coffee Van, 326 Barker Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3450
HALT Breakfast Event this Friday

SAVE YOUR BACON free coffee and BBQ brekky at KT’s coffee van outside The Snip, 236 Barker Street, Castlemaine.

This Friday 14 May at 6.30am to 8.30am

A FREE event!
