Welcome to our first newsletter for the year, and to Bunuru, the second summer of the Noongar six-season calendar. Bunuru is the hottest part of the year, represented by the colour orange, and a time of long days and reflection as we move into a new year together.
As we begin 2026, it is important to acknowledge the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack that claimed 15 lives. It was a devastating way to end the year and a sobering reminder of the need to remain committed to inclusion, tolerance and respect. Values that sit at the heart of Australia and our business community.
At the Chamber, we’ve been busy getting a head start on the year, with a full events program confirmed for the months ahead. Our events are designed to create meaningful connections, share practical insights and support you in your business and career. You can view what’s coming up at any time via the Upcoming Events page on our website.
One event I’d particularly like to highlight is our International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March, themed “Balance the Scales.” This event is a call to action to dismantle barriers, discrimination and violence against women. It is not a women-only event, but an opportunity for employers, men, community leaders and government to come together, hear from those working on the frontline, and take away practical tools to build stronger support networks in workplaces and businesses. I encourage you to join us at Saint Aidan Wines in the Ferguson Valley and be part of this important conversation. Join the conversation and register today!
We’re also launching an exciting new initiative, Black Coffee, a regular meetup for First Nations businesses and those who want to use their services. We believe this is the first gathering of its kind in the South West and something we’re keen to host on an ongoing basis. The first Black Coffee event will be held on 19 February at Chamber House.
With inflation and economic conditions currently in the news, our RBA Briefing on 24 February is shaping up as a must-attend event. The session will unpack the Reserve Bank’s February interest rate decision and provide an outlook for the year ahead. The RBA has also indicated it is keen to hear directly from business owners, particularly around trading conditions and export markets, so this is a valuable opportunity to join the discussion.
In broader news, renewable energy developments in the South West continue to gather momentum. Alongside the recent announcement that feasibility licences have been offered for three proposed offshore wind projects in Geographe Bay, new data highlights the scale of change already underway. According to energy publication Boiling Cold, the South West power grid reached a record 91 per cent peak renewable energy in December, largely driven by new battery storage. This transition also contributed to a 13 per cent fall in wholesale power prices, as coal and gas generation declined. It’s a strong snapshot of the region’s role in Australia’s pathway to net zero by 2050. Read the full article here.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events in the months ahead. If you’d like to get in touch directly, I can be reached at ceo@bgcci.com.au.
Sean McKeown - CEO - Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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