Hindmarsh Business Network Forum
Published on 07 March 2022
Approximately 30 business people from across Hindmarsh Shire attended the inaugural Hindmarsh Business Network Forum held in Nhill on Thursday 24 February.
The forum which was organised in partnership between West Vic Business and Hindmarsh Shire Council included the launch of the West Vic Business - Hindmarsh Chapter by West Vic Business Chairperson Peter McGrath.
Mr McGrath spoke about the history of the establishment of West Vic Business following the expansion of Business Horsham to include neighbouring Councils.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Melanie Albrecht facilitated the forum that included addresses from local and regional business leaders.
Cr Albrecht said “It was a fantastic turn out to the inaugural Hindmarsh Chapter. Hindmarsh Council have partnered with West Vic Business to launch a forum where Hindmarsh businesses can support one another to thrive. This first meeting provided some powerful examples of local business achievements.”
Paul Atherton, The Powerful Life and a former Chairperson of Business Horsham, spoke about the process he and his wife went through to sell their retail store in Horsham to establishing their new business The Powerful Life which is a mind coaching business.
Paul spoke about the challenges they faced trying to sell their business and how a different mindset changed their focus that enabled an easier transition.
As part of his presentation Paul, provided an exercise to participants that challenged their comfort zone by asking a number of thought provoking questions.
Dan Lukeweski, Bonnie & Clydes Pizza, Horsham was a last minute apology due to unforeseen circumstances and Paul Atherton presented an addressed that Dan had prepared. The focus of the address was about overcoming challenges the business has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how Dan and his wife Em, transitioned from running a take away and 180 seat restaurant to relocating and opening a take away business only which has resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiencies and sales.
Chan Uoy, proprietor of The Imaginarium, Dimboola, spoke about his journey from running restaurants in Melbourne to establishing a new business in Dimboola. Chan spoke about the challenges faced in establishing and promoting a new and different type of business and how he and his partner have a vision that their business will assist in increasing visitation rates to the Dimboola and the region.
Vicki Natt, proprietor of Cambrelle’s relayed her story in transitioning from a home based business to a shop front that also has a significant part of their operation as an online business.
Vicki spoke about the challenges she faced and how thinking ‘outside the box’ has enabled her to become an Australian distributor for a business based in the United Kingdom.
Cr Albrecht said “Thank you to all the speakers that shared the personal journey of their business. Each speaker highlighted the opportunities available when operating in Hindmarsh as well as those that had major transformation during COVID-19.”
Following the presentations a question and answer session with all presenters was held along with Cr Albrecht asking a number of questions from the audience that provided feedback for future forums and local and regional events, attractions and strengths that can be utilised in future marketing opportunities.
All in attendance agreed that another Business Network Forum should be held and that the forums should be rotated around the shire.
The next forum will be held in Rainbow at a date yet to be determined but likely to be in May or June 2022.
Cr Albrecht concluded the evening by saying “I would encourage all Hindmarsh businesses to attend the second of our West Vic Business Hindmarsh Chapter meetings and see how working together, we can grow Hindmarsh Businesses.”
For more information, please contact Monica Revell, Director Corporate and Community Services, on 03 5391 4444.
Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer