Hindmarsh Shire Council has awarded $30,000 to businesses across the district under the first round of their Business Assistance Grants program for this financial year.

Seven Dimboola businesses are among the successful applicants, with four from Nhill and two from Rainbow.

The Business Assistance Grants program consists of two categories. Tier One allows businesses to apply for up to $1,000 without a cash contribution, while Tier Two offers three dollars of funding for every dollar contributed by the business, and is capped at $3,000.

Council will provide funding to thirteen local businesses totalling $30,836.20 across the two categories.

Tier one successful applicants included:
  • Dimboola Store, Dimboola for upskilling staff in the area of social media and marketing skills, along with advertising and promotion of the businesses new ownership.

  • Harris Mensland, Dimboola for the repainting and refurbishment of their shopfront including new signage.

  • Mallee Magic, Rainbow for the establishment of a plant nursery on site.
Tier two successful applicants included:
  • Westmix Concrete, Nhill for refurbishing the business’ entryway including updating signage, and installation security cameras on the premises.

  • Dimboola Imaginarium, Dimboola for the purchase of a refrigerator to assist with business expansion to include a wine bar with the serving of light refreshments.

  • Desert Breeze Honey, Dimboola for upgrades to their power supply and installation of lighting in their new shed to support the expansion of the business.

  • Oasis Motel, Nhill for repairs and resealing of their car park.

  • Wimmera Bakery, Dimboola for the painting, rebranding, and refurbishment of their shop front in Lloyd Street, Dimboola.

  • Wimmera Bakery, Nhill for the painting, rebranding, and refurbishment of their shop front in Victoria Street, Nhill.

  • Clugston Butchers, Rainbow for the refurbishment of their customer service area at their shop in Federal Street, Rainbow.

  • Mark Launer Plumbing, Dimboola for the installation of industrial steel shelving at his business premises in Lloyd Street, Dimboola.

  • Cambrelle’s, Nhill for the installation of automatic doors at the entrance to the business premises. The doors will provide all-ability access making entry into the shop safer and easier for people using mobility aids, wheelchairs and prams etc.

  • Hooked On Classics, Dimboola for the development of an online presence for the business. A webpage will be developed which will allow customers and visitors to Dimboola to examine the products and services offered, plus provide a platform to promote local events relevant to the business.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Cr Ron Ismay said that the response to this round of funding was very enthusiastic.

“We were pleased to see so many solid applications, and even happier that all of the businesses that applied for this round were successful.

“I encourage other businesses to submit applications for funding when Round Two of the Business Assistance Grants program opens early next year.”