JANUARY has been a holiday month for many, but hopefully it has been a good trading period for hospitality and tourism operators with a milder summer.

There certainly appear to be a lot of people visiting our shops and cafes which is a good sign the tourists are in town and spending dollars with us. It has been an extended harvest for the Agri sector with mixed results with almost as much rain after the start of harvest as there was during the end of the growing season.  Hopefully some uplift in livestock prices and an outlook of La Nina may be buoyant for some.

Business After Dark - Pomonal Estate 1-Feb-24

Greater Ararat Business Network held another successful Business After Dark last week out at Pomonal Estate. Hosted by Pep and Adam Atchison, the story of Pomonal Estate is quite inspiring and shows what can be achieved with hard work and a bit of flair. Pep and Adam told their story of developing a vineyard from scratch, to a cellar door- now with the amazing development of 6 villas to allow people to stay and enjoy our region.  Pomonal Estate has quickly developed into a “must visit” location for locals and visitors alike. If you have not been out to Pomonal Estate lately, I can highly recommend it for great food and wine and a great atmosphere with views across to the Grampians. Business After Dark has been a great initiative for our group. It gives local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves to other business owners in a fun and relaxed way.

Throughout the year, Business After Dark will be held at a number of local businesses including the Mess and Barracks (old Courthouse Hotel), Chalambar Golf Club, Ararat Turf Club, Grampians Park Estate and ACE Radio. Our BADS are currently scheduled for the first Thursday of each month and opportunity to host drinks and nibbles, showcase your business and network, share and learn with members. 

Square Table Zoom - Monthly

In addition, our Square Tables are a monthly zoom- covering of various topics and input from business leaders- in a ‘half hour of power’ 8am Wednesdays.

GABN AGM - 27-March-2024

A big thanks to our wonderful committee for the events of last year- but a shoutout that our AGM is due in March- and we call on nominations for new members. I will also be stepping down as president, having done my term and hope the committee and network flourishes and continues to grow. If you are in businesses in Ararat Rural City, please get behind GABN and our area. We have some amazing people, businesses and communities - so much to be part of.