A new business hub backed by the Allan Labor Government in Castlemaine will support companies across various industries, from professional services to food manufacturing, keeping the local entrepreneurial spirit alive.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP officially opened and toured Workspace Australia’s new small business hub backed by $3 million from the Victorian Government.

The new hub created 40 local jobs during construction and will deliver an additional 80 jobs when the hub is operating at full capacity.

The Castlemaine hub will have a focus on supporting food manufacturing businesses and has commercial kitchen workspaces available that have been tailor-made for the craft food sector.

Up to 40 local businesses will be able to operate out of the new space with some having already moved in such as award winning local pudding makers ‘Pud For All Seasons’.

Other companies that will call the space home include Woodley’s Pies and electrical engineering company Electrologix.

Workspace Australia is a charity organisation that offers training, employment and business development opportunities for people across Central Victoria through its business hubs.

The charity manages hubs in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Donald, Dunolly, Eaglehawk, Gisborne, Kinglake and Maldon and aims to improve employment for socially disadvantaged people.

The investment in the Castlemaine hub is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion in rural and regional Victoria over the past decade. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif