Business Mount Alexander

Workspace Australia Networking Drinks
2022-04-21 17:30 - 19:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Drinks at The Taproom
2025-02-06 17:00 - 19:30 | 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.

Explore Etty Street Business Hub
2025-08-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Etty Street Business Hub, 35 Etty St, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450, Australia
Join BMA for our next event at the Etty Street Business Hub.
Thursday 28th August 5.30-7.30pm
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 Castlemaine’s newest business hub!

'Meet the Finalists' at Castlemaine Toyota
2025-10-29 17:30 - 19:30 | Castlemaine Toyota, 371 Barker Street, CASTLEMAINE, Victoria, 3450, Australia
As an official Silver Partner for Mount Alexander Shire’s 2025 Business Awards, Toyota Castlemaine is teaming up with Business Mount Alexander to host a special Meet the Finalists networking event.
Wednesday 29th October, 5.30–7.30pm
Members – FREE | Non-BMA Members – $15
Bookings essential : https://www.trybooking.com/DGIMW
After many months of planning and construction, Toyota Castlemaine has opened its brand-new premises on Barker Street — and they’re inviting you in!
This year, the Business Awards once again champion the businesses and organisations in our shire that have demonstrated outstanding attributes.
Come along to celebrate our incredible local businesses, connect with fellow professionals, and enjoy a relaxed evening inside Toyota’s stunning new showroom.
Complimentary drink and catering for members and guests upon arrival.
