Monthly Update
We’re now in the Noongar season of Kambarang, when the weather warms, the rain eases and wildflowers are at their peak. Kambarang is about renewal, growth, readiness and the start of new cycles. It is also only seven weeks until Christmas, which puts into perspective how little of 2025 we have left.
Last week, Sean joined Cis & Kim Narkle on a TAFE/Jobs & Skills Centre visit from students in the 'Follow the Dream' program at Newton Moore High School, to talk to students about the Working Together program and how the Chamber fits in with the TAFE in supporting Indigenous workers find roles.
AGM updates
It has been a big month at the Chamber, with our AGM welcoming both new and familiar faces. Please join me in welcoming the following new Executive Committee members, each taking responsibility for portfolios and agenda topics that align with the Chamber’s purpose:
- Cassidy McGuire, Aboriginal Engagement
- Travis Sprigg, CEO Round Table
- Miral Fahmy, International Relations
- Nicky Smith, Geographe for Purpose
Thank you to all Executive Committee members for their ongoing efforts to grow the Chamber and its impact across the South West. You can view the full committee here: https://www.bgcci.com.au/about-the-chamber/executive-committee
We also released our 2024-25 Annual Report, which is a great summary of the activities and achievements the Chamber made in the 12 months to June 30, 2025. This can be viewed here: 2024-25 Annual Report
Bon Marché turns 100
Congratulations to member Bon Marché Menswear on its 100-year anniversary, with a new exhibition at the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre opening to celebrate this milestone. Bon Marché is French for good quality and value. The Craddock family has owned the business since 1925, with Stephen Craddock the current proprietor.
The exhibition runs until 30 November and is well worth a visit, featuring photographs, apparel and memorabilia that trace the store’s history alongside Bunbury’s early years as a city.
Upgraded accommodation at The Burlington
Another early Bunbury business in the news is the Burlington Hotel. We recently visited owner Brendan Craig, who showcased their recently upgraded accommodation. There are 21 rooms across six types, including ensuite and single options. The brochure describes the offering as boutique and budget friendly. If you need something central with meal options, it is worth a look. Email: sales@burlingtonhotel.com.au
IIF is back
We are pleased to support the Innovative Industries of the Future lunchtime seminar series, commencing 27 November 2025. The first session, Building resilient industries: lessons from agritech, AI and circular economies, features keynote speaker Ben Van Delden, who brings extensive experience advising public and private clients across agribusiness, food, climate adaptation, food production and decarbonisation.
You can buy tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/innovative-industries-of-the-future-iif-lunchtime-seminar-series
The lunchtime series will lead into the IIF Conference in November 2026, designed to spark discussion around the people, innovations and solutions that will underpin the South West’s future industries.
If you would like to contribute, please email ceo@bgcci.com.au with a short outline of your proposed topic.
Activating the Bunbury CBD
The Chamber recently hosted a webinar exploring one of the biggest questions facing Bunbury at the moment – how do we revitalise the CBD?
The session featured Julian Canny, who has been instrumental in bringing new life, energy and events to the Geraldton CBD. In a refreshingly open and honest discussion, Julian shared that success comes from seizing every opportunity and taking a multifaceted approach — working collaboratively with property owners, real estate agents and businesses to create a destination where people want to visit and spend.
The Chamber is currently working with the City of Bunbury and the Town Team Movement (also on the webinar) to continue the discussion. Watch a recording of the session below and if you would like to contribute to the discussion email: ceo@bgcci.com.au
What’s on
As we close out the year, we still have several events to help you connect before 2026. Visit our events page and register for our final Business After Hours (sponsored by Southern Ports) on 3 December and the end of year Women in Business Sundowner on 11 December.
.png)