The Blog
Stories from the region, plus timely content for residents and businesses during the current pandemic.
Restart Checklists for Greater Hamilton Businesses
A guide to the most useful checklists and trusted sources of guidance, whether you’re re-opening after a period of closure or you’re adapting to the changed environment.
Live From Aus: Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia has just launched their ‘Live from Aus’ virtual tourism activation. Live from Aus will bring some of Australia’s best tourism...
Greater Hamilton Region – Open for ‘Business as Unusual’
Council is supporting businesses in the Greater Hamilton Region through an eye-catching new campaign promoting how local businesses have adapted to...
Make Mum’s day, the ISO way
Be sure to surprise and delight your mum this Mothers Day the ISO way.
Funding for Creatives
Independent creatives & micro-organisations in the Greater Hamilton region are encouraged to apply for $5-$10k grants from the Sustaining Creative Workers initiative.
Business Support Fund
Updated 11/5/20. If you are a small business or not-for-profit impacted by COVID-19 you may be eligible for a $10,000 grant, but hurry- applications...
Businesses Unite for Funeral Solution
Three resilient businesses have collaborated to create a unique way to show support during restricted funeral services.
Support For Landlords and Tenants
Updated 21 April 2020. A summary of the $500 million package to assist Commercial and Residential Landlords and Tenants.
Our Collaborative, Innovative Community
From making replica props to collaborating with local businesses to create disposable PPE for the local hospital, it’s all part of the rapid innovation taking place in the Greater Hamilton region!
Online Workshops, Webinars and Opportunities
We have curated the best opportunities for local businesses upcoming in the next few weeks, plus links to excellent sources of information for future online workshops, free webinars, and even an industry-specific Friday ‘pub night’!
Get What You’re Entitled To – JobKeeper Update
Updated 21 April 2020. The latest changes to the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment and other financial initiatives outlined in our Quick Reference Guide.
Council Support During COVID-19
Southern Grampians Shire Council is prioritising immediate support for our local business community- see the support available here.
3 Tips for Businesses During COVID-19
Shane Annett, a Small Business Financial Counsellor from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, has shared with us his 3 Top Tips for Small Businesses right now.
Get Online Quickly With Subsidised Website Packages
Council is subsidising website packages and professional EDM templates to help local businesses to sell products and promote their services online quickly.
Latest Key Message- Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
A deadline reminder for businesses in the Greater Hamilton region to receive the $10k “Boosting Cash Flow for Employers” payment from the Federal Government.
Greater Hamilton Regional Business & Community Directory – COVID-19
Chef-prepared meals, barista-made coffee, Henty wine deliveries, self isolation rooms, online shopping, service updates and activities to keep your...
The Ultimate Guide to Dunkeld Accommodation – From Luxe to Less
There is a lot to love about Dunkeld – a tranquil arboretum; the rugged peaks of Mount Sturgeon, Piccaninny and Abrupt and an award-winning fine-dining restaurant. With so much to see, explore and experience in and around Dunkeld, why not pack a bag and stay on. There is something suitable for everyone’s budget and luxury levels and it’s all highlighted here in our Ultimate Guide to Dunkeld Accommodation; From Luxe to Less.
Talking Henty Wines With Martin From Bochara
An exemplary winery of the Henty Region that is flawlessly utilising the unique Southern Grampians environment is Bochara Wines. Set amongst the looming redgums, this winery was established in 1998 at the small settlement of Bochara, 10km west of Hamilton. Martin Slocombe of Bochara Wines took some time out to talk with us about Henty Wines and the Bochara harvest.
An Annual Event Guide – Save the Date
For details on over 20 exciting, annual events of the Greater Hamilton region, check out our Annual Event Guide. From a Sheepvention to the Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix to a Festival of Lanterns, there will undoubtedly be an event that will spark your interest and make its way into your diary. Save these dates people because there is so much fun to be had.
Glenthompson’s Insta Style
Glorious Glenthompson, its natural beauty is seen every which way you turn. From firey sunsets to vibrant canola fields to life on the farm. Glenthompson has Insta style and they have it in bucket loads. Laying it out for your viewing pleasure, take a gander at a selection of Glenthompson’s supreme Insta posts.
Family’s Big Day Out in Greater Hamilton
Looking for a little inspo for your family to get out, about and enjoying the greatness of Greater Hamilton. Well, look no further. We have compiled an exceptional list of family-friendly activities, all located within this fantastic region. Here are 20 of Greater Hamilton’s most fun and family-friendly activities.
Greater Hamilton – Your Pets Happy Space
Pets, they are a huge part of our lives and an integral member of our family. They unconditionally love and adore, bringing joy by simply sitting next to you. So what is a holiday if you can’t take your faithful pal along with you. Find your pets happy holiday space in Greater Hamilton with a stay at one of these pet-friendly accommodation options.
100 Things To Do in Greater Hamilton
There is so much choice when it comes to things to do in Greater Hamilton. The region is abundant in artistry, flooded with fishing prospects, teeming with treks, humming with history, loaded with lush produce and so much more. With so much choice, where do you start? We’ve narrowed it down for you and devised a definitive checklist of 100 things to do in Greater Hamilton.
Eat – Shop – Admire, A Day Well Spent In Hamilton
Treat yourself with a day of indulgences in Hamilton. There is something special around every corner and a superlative day to be had by simply following these three essential treat yourself steps; Eat – Shop – Admire.
3 Hamilton Cafes You Can’t Miss
Eat, drink and enjoy at these three can’t miss Hamilton cafes. They are not only dishing up the goods but completely conquering the cafe scene.
Three Local Loves of Glenthompson
Located between Hamilton and Ballarat, at the foothills of the Grampians Ranges, is the scenic town of Glenthompson. And although the town is comprised of just a couple of hundred residents, the community spirit is as strong as a force of thousands.
So, who better to highlight the loves of Glenthompson than the locals. Here are the three local loves of the residents of Glenthompson.
Four of the Finest – A Coleraine Event Guide
A traditional country fair, a fast-paced pedal car grand prix, a celebration of local artists and Australia’s oldest ongoing horse jumping race; Coleraine certainly knows how to embrace some Aussie favourites and put on a cracking event. Get your diaries handy because here are four of Coleraine’s finest.
Historic Coleraine
There is a piece of history to discover around every corner in Coleraine. With a settled history dating back 200 years and an Aboriginal history dating back thousands of years, Coleraine is a country town steeped in stories of former days.
Festival of Colours
A lifetime’s work, a living library, a festival of colours; The Peter Francis Points Arboretum (aka The Points) has long been regaling visitors and locals of Coleraine. Spanning across an impressive 100 acres, The Points is home to one of the largest collections of plant species. There are more than 10,000 recorded plants, including Australia’s official Eucalypt Collection with over 500 species of eucalypt genus.
An Insider’s Guide to Coleraine
Coleraine’s generous main street is certainly reminiscent of a customary Australian country town. And much like a great Australian town, Coleraine is also steeped in history and brimming with discoveries. From a decadent chocolate factory to a classic car collection to incredible natural wonders, Coleraine has so much to offer and we have the insider’s guide to it all.
5 Reasons to Visit Budj Bim
Budj Bim (formerly named Mount Eccles) derives from the Aboriginal Gunditjmara language, meaning high head. It is the site of a once active volcano, source of the Tyrendarra lava flow (extending over 50km) and of more recent times, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site – the first location in Australia to receive World Heritage protection solely for its Aboriginal cultural importance.
5 Minutes With Casey Manson of Grotti Lotti
Grotti Lotti paints vibrant and contemporary nature-inspired art, stocks shops and markets nationwide, runs a successful online store, ships her pieces worldwide and all while being a spirited mum to three lively children. Somewhere, in between all this, kind-hearted and local-loving Grotti Lotti took some time out to talk Greater Hamilton, her art and how the two blends together to create something very special.
Four Reasons To Stretch Your Legs In Penshurst
As you travel along the Great Southern Touring Route, be sure to park yourself in Penshurst, stretch your legs and discover these three local delights.
An Insider’s Guide To Penshurst
As you wind your way along the spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road and commence your journey into the mountainous Grampian Ranges via the Great Southern Touring Route, you will come across a delightful town Penshurst. Cosied up beside the now dormant volcano of Mount Rouse, Penshurst’s namesake was most likely inspired by the historic English village in Kent, and this is quite apt considering the Victorian town is home to beautiful bluestone buildings, a noble horse race, a never-failing spring and lush green scenery.
A 48-Hour Foodie Guide to Greater Hamilton
It’s all about the food, food glorious food! Greater Hamilton indubitably dishes up a treasure trove of foodie must-stop havens, so what better way to explore this great and flavoursome region than with a 48-foodie tour. Make some room in that belly of yours because here comes the food…
An Insider’s Guide to Cavendish
Culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical exploration, exceptional events, serene stays, proximity to the Grampians National Park and sweeping views of the Western District, that is the Cavendish experience.Â
Stretch Your Legs At Cavendish
You’re travelling to the Grampians National Park and the kids are getting a little restless in the back… Save your sanity and expel their energy with a stopover at the charming town of Cavendish. Located on the Henty Highway with the Grampians on your doorstop, the locality of this town makes it an ideal respite post and these offerings make it a supreme exploration location.
5 Minutes With John Nagorcka From Hochkirch Talking Biodyamic Wines
Stretching across a magnificent 20-acre expanse, nestled nearby the Grampians, in the picturesque town of Tarrington is Hochkirch Wines; a family-owned and family-run vineyard. As part of the infamous Henty wine region, the grapes grown and the wine produced is of the highest quality and piquancy. But Hochkirch also brings a distinct point of difference to their winemaking.
Top Five Instagrammable Spots in Tarrington
Tarrington is a region rich in German heritage and ripe in grapes. Only a short drive to the Grampians National Park, Tarrington’s natural landscape, quirky features and produce are not only worth stopping for but also taking an Insta pic of. Here are our top five things to Instagram in #Tarrington.
Play – Ride – Discover; Three Fun Things To Do With The Kids In Hamilton
For the young and young at heart, Greater Hamilton is certainly the place for spirited, entertaining and joyful undertakings. Drawing inspiration from three essential kid’s activities; playing, riding and discovering we have devised an agenda of fun. Read on to discover three fun things to do with the kids in Greater Hamilton.
Wintery Wonders of Greater Hamilton
Winter is an enigmatic and captivating season in Greater Hamilton; frosty trees line the streets, sparkling rivers flow through the townships, gushing waterfalls plunge to their pools, warming log fires heat your hands, and rich red wines bring so much joy to your soul. Relish in the comfort and delight of Greater Hamilton’s wintery wonders.
Getting Active In Greater Hamilton
With a myriad of active events happening in Greater Hamilton, this mantra is not only attainable but also enjoyable. Check out our ultimate list of active happenings in the Greater Hamilton region.
The Ten Most Instagrammable Spots In Dunkeld
Drop a pin or use a hashtag for these ten Instagram-worthy settings and scenes of spectacular Dunkeld. This is #Dunkeld and it is #awesome.
Four Reasons To Stretch Your Legs At Branxholme
Visitors will be well rewarded by a stopover at Branxholme, so next time you are driving through, pull up, get out, stretch your legs and take in these four sights.
Rocklands Reservoir – 3 Reasons To Go Today
Situated 13kms east of Balmoral is Rocklands Reservoir; the largest water reservoir in Victoria. Constructed during the 1950s, the Reservoir is a whopping 67.5 square kilometres, stretching across a spectacular landscape and generating a region ripe with exceptional outdoor activities. There are three essential reasons why you should go to Rocklands, they are down-to-earth in action, enjoyable in nature and something that will appeal to the whole family.
The Story Behind The Balmoral Mural
In February 2013, artists Geoffrey Carran and Rowena Martinich were commissioned by the Chameleon Arts Collective of Balmoral to transform a bare and drab wall located in Glendinning Street, Balmoral into an artistic representation and celebration of the town.
The Byaduk Spring Flower Show
For one spectacular Spring day, the Byaduk Hall is transformed into a sea of colour, a hub of people and hum of excitement for The Byaduk Spring Flower Show.
