You may have received emails or reminders about registering the ".au" version of your business website. At first glance, it could appear to be yet another spam email – but there could be a legitimate opportunity for business owners in Australia if you act before the September 20 deadline.

The 'domain' name refers to the name of your website - the address people need to type to reach your online address (i.e. cityprecinct.com.au). We now have a new shorter domain option available to us (cityprecinct.au) designed to give shorter, more memorable online names.

We are currently in a priority access period meaning businesses who already have an existing domain name using .com.au or .net.au or similar, have the .au domain name reserved for them with priority status.

It is important to note that it's not compulsory to claim your new .au domain and this change will not affect your current .com.au domain. But if you choose not to buy your .au direct domain, then following the end of the priority period on 20 September 2022, it will become possible for anyone in the public to register it.

As the launch event for City Precinct's new 'Digital Adaptation Program', we will be hosting a virtual educational and 'co-working' event designed to support you in claiming your .au domain. Hosted on Zoom, we will give a short presentation demonstrating how to do the process, followed by dedicated time for you to claim your domain. We will have Uri from Fix My Tech on-hand to support anyone who needs assistance during this time.

It is recommended that you come prepared with the login details to the website that hosts your domain name. Examples of these include godaddy.com.au & crazydomains.com.au.

For more information check out https://hub.business.vic.gov.au/tech/digital/new-au-domain-names-7-things-your-business-should-know/​