We are enjoying every minute of the connections made along with the valuable insights made each time a member reaches out for help. By building a robust repertoire of resources, we're able to quickly advocate for and connect people to the support they need.
Earlier in July we learnt we were one of six chambers around the state to deliver the ‘Working Together’ program. We cannot achieve this alone as it all about stakeholder engagement with not only our business members but aboriginal engagement officers at SR TAFE. Already this month we have connected Sunwise Energy to Kim Narkle, the new officer undertaking this role from TAFE, and South 32 who are building their capability with some exciting programs to connect more aboriginal people to jobs.
Connections lead often to economic opportunities, and this is exactly what the Innovative Industries of the Future Conference hosted by Southwest Development Commission. The two-day conference is set for 5 & 6 November which will see leaders from around the globe converge into Bunbury discussing advanced manufacturing, advanced technologies and renewables. Details for the program and tickets can be found here - https://www.iifconference.com.au/
Getting to know new people in their roles continues to serve my purpose of being a connector. This month I met with the new CEO, Jack Harding, of St John of God Hospital. Jack is mindful of the challenges he has in front of him and explained the ongoing commitment to providing health care in our region. The closing of the private maternity wing was very much for economic reasons however we need to be assured that the new investment into the hospital buildings will see an increase in maternity beds.
Other stakeholder meetings included:
- Hon David Michael MLA visiting us, hosted by our local member Hon Don Punch MLA, for a round table discussion here at Chamber House. This was an open forum for our business community. Thank you to those members who weren’t able to attend but completed our online survey, your information was passed onto Minister Michael for his consideration.
- Meeting newly appointed South 32 External Affairs Manager Rod Jones along with Greer Johnson, Senior Lead of External Affairs. The meeting allowed me the opportunity to explain the various touch points for their employees to be involved with our community. From Young People in Business to Women in Business or the Southwest Leaders Program, we are proud to offer such a diverse offering to our members.
- Bunge Grain – met with new HR Manager Sharna Gallagher-Baird
- Regional CCI WA – chambers across the state share their month and offer cross learning to each other.
- Online meeting with CCIWA to discuss how double the number of the Bunbury Geographe CCI members now access CCIWA’s resources through their membership with us.
- Fringe Artistic Director – Jo O’Dea and I met to talk about the fundraising initiatives that our members could assist with to ensure our standard of events stay here in the region. One idea is to sponsor a bed for the artist and the other is the Quiz Night to be held on 23 August at the Old Lyric. Ways to support Bunbury Fringe can be found on their website click here.
- Met with Kim Narkle the new Aboriginal Engagement Officer at SR TAFE. Kim will be working very closely with us to help us deliver Aboriginal Employee Tool kits for our members.
- Having a walk through the new Shire of Dardanup building and meeting with CEO Andre Schonfeldt. What an amazing building, which was project managed by Chamber member Kent Lyon Architects.
- Briefing from Home Affairs on the increase of migration numbers for regional WA. If anyone would like to see the slide pack, please let our team know.
- Meeting with CEO Gordon Mac Mile and Jenelle Dunn from the Shire of Capel for our monthly meeting and to offer assistance to the newly invigorated Capel CCI.
- Meeting with RDA South West to discuss a collaboration to host the launch of the SW Futures Report here at Chamber House which will be held on the 30 August.
Our July events had something for everyone, with the Women in Business event held at Yours or Mine. 30 women came to connect on a Friday after work. Our guest speaker, Shamara Williams, from Volunteer South West, spoke of connecting to community through volunteering, especially when moving to a new area. For those staff who have partners moving to the region, volunteering can be a wonderful platform to meet new people and connect you into a range of opportunities. We encourage people to connect with Volunteer South West.
Our business after hours event this month was hosted at BREC by BREC and SW Times. What a wonderful energy with over 70 people coming together before being invited in to watch a film during International Film Festival Week or take a tour of the production areas.
The SW Leaders program has grown to seeing 180 people enter the cohort this year. Hearing from one of our mentors and mentee at this year’s conference held last week confirmed just how important this program is for our leaders of tomorrow. The conference held last week at the Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse covering the theme, Never Stop Learning, was a testament to how this program has developed over the five years since its inception by founder Superintendent Geoff Stewart from WA Police Force.
Conference speakers included Bunbury born Lexy Mc Donald sharing her journey developing her now global App Her Help, Man Health expert, Dr Lloyd Evans, DFES Assistant Commissioner shared her leadership journey in the Police Force before entering another government entity DFES. Our final speaker for the day, Amy Jacobson, an emotional intelligence and behavioural specialist. Key take home for me was the importance ‘Own your own Sh#%*!’ This resonated loudly around the room.
Movement of the Chamber House tenants see us saying farewell to long term tenant Kylie Cullen from Solstice Finance. OMEGA 365 will betaking over her office space, with plans already underway for a new tenant to move into the smaller office at the front. The remaining tenants, including JUDO Bank, Workforce Australia, and Ocean Ex Energy, will continue to call Chamber House their home.
Our grand finale for the month is the organization and production of our very first Business Excellence Awards, scheduled to take place this Saturday, August 3rd. We are thrilled to announce that 152 businesses have been nominated for the awards, which is incredible for our inaugural year. Additionally, the winners of each category will have the exciting opportunity to compete in the Regional Chamber Awards in Perth in early 2025. It was a delight to deliver certificates to our finalists (pictured above) and we look forward to celebrating with many of you in the coming days.
