IT HAS been a busy month for our members with the improved weather and lots of customers out and about enjoying the start of spring.

Greater Ararat Business Network recently hosted the Big BAD (Business After Dark) at the RSL- an amazing event with guest speakers, Lieutenant Commander David Martinussen and retired Paralympian Ellie Cole OAM. David and Ellie are true leaders in their fields. They both have strong connections to Ararat - and both had an inspiring story to tell. Whether it is commanding the HMAS Ararat or leading the Australian team at the Toyko Paralympic games, the common themes of hard work, focus and working to get the best out of people apply.

I’ve got to give a shout out to the RSL for helping us put on a fantastic night with a very impressive menu. The high standard of the night shows how much Ararat has grown and prospered in recent years.

It was great to see a good representation from the rural sector- with farmers and agribusiness in attendance. Food, Fibre and energy production are major revenue generators for our region- and if we all work together- we all help each other.

As our part with VRCA (Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance) we work with other business networks across Victoria, we welcome the new Premier - and hope with her background- we get a strong focus on rural and regional issues, and that some of the upcoming commonwealth games packages make a difference to our businesses.

We have our Next BAD coming up next Wednesday night out to Grampians Adventures at Moyston. We’re have a bus running- jump on the website and grab a seat

Our next Square Table Zoom is on Wednesday the 25th of October at 8am. Local businessman Nick Carthew will be joining us to give a quick update on what’s happening at AME Systems. If you are time poor- the square table is a quick half-hour of power- catch up on business news, chat with community leaders and what business is offering.

Don’t forget the East Grampians Business Awards Gala Night on the 26th of October at the Town Hall. There are truly some amazing businesses across Ararat Rural City - from retail to tourism and hospitality, professional services, rural and urban, big and small. We are fortunate to have such passionate entrepreneurs in our midst. Come along and hear their stories, enjoy some great food and company- and see who takes out the awards.