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In late November the Berringa Peninsula Community Network held its inaugural business ‘Meet and Greet’ event at the Hume Boat Club in Bellbridge. The lake turned on a stunning display for the evening and the weather could not have been better.

It was lovely to see so many people in attendance and hopefully everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and made some great connections.

We were asked by many people, “what is the purpose of the evening”? Our intention was simply to expose the wealth of talent and enterprise which seems to be growing in our region. If we are more aware of each other’s local businesses, then we can support each other better and keep the money circulating in our local economy. After a rough few years of post-fire and border disruption, we also felt it was time to have a well-deserved social get together.

Kerissa Heritage from Towong Shire spoke about an Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan which Council has recently commissioned. This is now on public exhibition with comments due by 31 December: https://www.towong.vic.gov.au/1-council/have-your-say/open-consultations?item=id:2g8vflyl51cxby0i5964.

There was discussion on the night around the idea of establishing a chamber of commerce for our area. If this is something that interests you, and you want to drive the economic development of our area, please get in touch with Paul Clancy, Towing Shire Council Economic Recovery Officer via email at paul.clancy@towong.vic.gov.au.

As our first event, we would love to hear any feedback attendees had on the night (good or bad) and if this is something you would like to see happen again? If so, would there be value in having an inspiring speaker at another event? Did you make some connections on the night that have helped you and your business? Please let us know your thoughts or share your suggestions using the form below.

Thanks again to everyone who attended and we look forward to hearing from you.

Emma Nichol, Di Singline and Rowena Calvert, Berringa Peninsula Community Network