Melbourne’s North Food Group has initiated a weekly e-news bulletin to ensure partners receive up-to-the-minute information and advice on dealing with COVID-19 restrictions and regulations.
The update draws on MNFG’s government, education and industry network to supply food and beverage businesses, partners and supporters with timely information. Its goal is to centralise COVID-19 information and provide links to relevant websites.
Each week the e-news includes content for businesses on:
- business restrictions from the Victorian Government and Department of Health and Human Services
- grants, programs and assistance from government, education and industry
- webinars that present relevant information and skills training
- support from industry service providers
- important information sources
- business success stories
- mental health services.
“Businesses have been finding our weekly updates incredibly useful because owners and managers are under great pressure during this pandemic. The e-news groups vital information and brings it to them rather than needlessly spending the time searching themselves,” says MNFG General Manager Margaret McLelland.
Victoria’s first and second wave have caused varied levels of restrictions for different businesses. MNFG continues to be guided by networks in the Victorian Government to communicate what businesses are permitted and not permitted to do. Each announcement from the government on business restrictions is documented in the weekly e-news.
The update has been particularly important for businesses as they search for financial and professional support to help them survive the pandemic. Businesses can find the latest updates and announcements on funding and can seek advice from MNFG.
MNFG business events paused at the start of the pandemic but resumed quickly as events transitioned to a webinar format. These webinars provide the food and beverage network with expert advice and insight into information and strategies that will help their businesses survive and thrive.
Webinar topics have included marketing, business contingency, workplace law, grant assistance and much more. Each week the MNFG e-news lists all upcoming MNFG webinars and recordings of past presentations. The e-news also includes webinars from government, universities and other industry organisations.
“Our webinars have been a great way for businesses to access skills and strategies that they can apply to their business and workforce during the pandemic,” says Margaret.
MNFG partners have provided support to fellow industry members through the e-news by offering their services at reduced or no cost. Each week the network can sort through the list of offers to find a service that will be of benefit to their business.
