And just like that February is here already! The start to 2022 has been filled with change and its fair to say we don't have a clear view as to what will come next.
Businesses and the community are preparing for the a somewhat unknown, guided only by what is happening on the East Coast of Australia. If we use their situation as a guide, it can be daunting to think about the conditions that face us in the year ahead. Now more than ever we need to support one another, be kind, be patient and offer our understanding wherever possible. The BGCCI are here to support local businesses through these times.
BGCCI's commitment is to continue our advocacy and support for businesses, with focus on building mentally healthy workplaces, providing access to information and resources related to COVID to assist businesses navigate the changes and conditions that present themselves.
Our focus, collaboration and partnership with local government and key stakeholders to build the capability and capacity of this region remains strong. With our retail and hospitality industry showing signs of stress following the recent mask mandate we are set to launch a Shop Local Competition to drive activity and promote businesses within our region. With the continued strain of recruiting and retaining staff we are proud to be partnering with different organisations to bring new services and support to the region.
Together with the Shire of Dardanup and the Department of Home Affairs we will host one of the SW DAMA information sessions, to advise businesses on how they can apply through the South West Direct Area Migration Agreement to access international workers. We continue our work with the Department of Education Skills and Employment (Federal) and the Department of Training and Workplace Development (State) to create more employment opportunities by matching business needs with potential job seekers.
BGCCI also remind our members to utilise the One of Many Membership association with CCIWA, providing eligible BGCCI members with free access to the HR/IR CCIWA Support Helpdesk. These resources have provided tens of thousands of dollars worth of valuable assistance and support to our members since COVID began. Please contact the Chamber on 9791 2292 if you need access to your membership details and advice on how to utilise this service.
There are also several other strategic initiatives that we are rolling out for the benefit of our Members including an Emerging Leaders program and focusing on Women in Business. There will be more information to come out on the Emerging Leaders Program in coming weeks.
With regards to our focus on Woman in Business, the BGCCI recognise the significant contribution that women play in our business world. Over the past few decades women have been pushing the boundaries and recreating the rules that have dictated the role they play in society, starting and building thriving businesses, leading corporations and as always making a powerful difference in our communities. Societal norms are changing rapidly. As more and more women succeed in their careers, they recognise the struggle they endured to get there. Many are supporting other up and coming women to find their path, giving them opportunities that previously wouldn't have been within their grasp. Fathers, uncles, brothers and friends are seeing the power and potential that women offer in business and nurturing, developing and support their talents. There are many inspiring women in our community and around the world leading the way and showing us what is possible.
If we were to look at people like, Ariana Huffington, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Denise Coates, Tory Burch, Gina Rinehart and Katie Page, we might think this kind of success is only for the elite few. But success comes in many different forms and often starts from humble beginnings. Whether it's a spark of inspiration that is fanned into a flame or simply the recognition of potential and opportunity that was previously thought out of reach. There is still more work to do to help and support women in our community to realise their potential. In 2022, the BGCCI has committed to building a community of support for women in business. This is a community where men and women can come together, network, learn and grow together. Whenever change is needed, leadership and advocacy are required. This initiative will provide a platform for both genders to work together, identify opportunities for support and create pathways for women to explore their careers and identity in the business world.
BGCCI will deliver networking events and forums designed to explore this and many more topics. We encourage all our members to get involved and come together in support of one another. The more we talk about the barriers and explore opportunities for change, the more power and potential in our community will be unleashed. That is an outcome that will benefit all of us. Please be COVID safe, look after one another and be patient, we are all figuring this out together.
