News

Information for Businesses in relation to Porepunkah incident

16 September 2025

The police operation in Porepunkah and Bright is ongoing, and it is unknown when this situation will be resolved.

Key messaging for visitors:

Council and the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce Inc. have developed a script for your business to use when communicating with your customers:

The shops, cafés and restaurants in Bright and Porepunkah are open for business. While there is still an active police incident in the area, visitors are asked to remain alert and to make their own assessment when deciding to travel.

When planning your trip, please note Mount Buffalo National Park is closed and we recommend you avoid remote areas. Check the VicRoads’ app for the latest on road access - most routes are open but there may be temporary road closures. For updates on local conditions, stay informed through the Vic Emergency app.

If now is not the right time to visit, we understand – please support our local businesses online, and we’ll be here to welcome you back whenever you are ready.

Potential Assistance Packages:

As previously advised, Council has requested assistance from the Victorian Government to seek access to Victorian and Australian Government financial support for local businesses and workers affected by the uncertainty.

A response is expected shortly.

Activating Online Sales:

Many businesses have an online presence. Connecting to your clients to activate online sales through your database and sharing what is happening in the region is appropriate. Recognition of the sadness related to the loss of Victorian Police officers’ lives is important.

Managing Cash Flow:

Managing cash flow in difficult times is critical. Your first call should be with the Australian Tax Office to arrange deferrals for GST and payroll tax. Contact your suppliers to arrange payment plans, where necessary. Most of your suppliers will be flexible and supportive.

Council rates notices have just been issued. Contact Council to arrange a payment plan if necessary - Payment of Rates | Alpine Shire Council.

Insurance:

Some businesses have interruption and continuity insurance. Ovens Valley Insurance has advised that the current incident may not trigger the ability to claim on these insurance policies. Further advice is being sought. Contact your insurance broker for specific advice on your policies.

Support for Casual Staff:

Many of our businesses have been unable to supply shifts to casual staff. Support for casual staff includes:

Services Australia can provide jobseeker and other support. Services Australia has an agent in Gateway Health at 32 Smith Street in Myrtleford. For opening hours review: Myrtleford Agent - Find Us - Services Australia. For Mount Beauty, you can attend 1 Tennis Court Avenue in Mount Beauty or visit SERVICES | MTBNCI for more information.

Food Support Assistance is provided by Myrtleford and Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centres for Alpine Shire community members. Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre is located at 156 Myrtle Street in Myrtleford. Check here for opening hours: Contact - Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre.

In the Kiewa Valley, food support is provided by the Upper Kiewa Valley Support Services, which can be contacted on 0493 418 598.

There is also a Free Food Fridge in Bright, which is located at the Uniting Church on Ireland Street in Bright.

Ongoing Resources will be linked and updated on the Alpine Shire Recovery Hub page: Recovery Hub | Community and Business Hubs | Engage Alpine.

Please pass this information on to your casual staff.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Offer for Alpine Businesses

VCCI is an organisation that supports chambers of commerce and businesses throughout Victoria. It does this by providing support on workplace matters, expert-led training programs, and comprehensive resources to ensure compliance and growth.

VCCI is offering an Employer Membership – valued at $1,499 ex GST to businesses in the Alpine Shire for $1.

The inclusions of the membership can be found here: Employer Membership | Membership Product.

Some restrictions apply:

  • New members only (i.e., if you are an existing member, this offer does not apply)
  • The offer will remain available until 31 October 2025
  • Once membership is up for renewal (in 12 months’ time), any members wishing to renew will renew onto the full price (or a chamber alliance rate if we negotiate this prior)
  • The offer is applicable only to businesses based in Alpine Shire

The promotion code for this is ALPINE1 to be used at checkout.

Local Business Support:

Council, the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce Inc., and Tourism North East are continuing to make calls to businesses to provide support where we can. We have also sourced some accounting advice that can help to manage cash flow.

Should you wish to contact any of these people directly: