Over the past month, Committee for Ballarat has hosted Minister for Jobs and Growth, Steve Dimopoulos, for a member roundtable discussion, held our annual Treasurer’s lunch with the then Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, and together with 180 members and guests, enjoyed our Winter Gala Round Table dinner with the amazing James Morrison and his equally amazing son William.
The visit by Minister Dimopoulos was arrange for us by the Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison and was an opportunity for our members to outline many of the tremendous opportunities for growth in our regional economy. With a focus on productivity, jobs and innovation, this was a Member-led roundtable discussion with the Minister, who was keen to listen and engage. Over 90 minutes, we covered areas such as skills, education and training, digital services, liveability for our growing region, housing, health, food manufacturing, and value-add agriculture.
Such opportunities are critical touchpoints for our members and an illustration of how Committee can help influence and advocate to Government in support of business and our capacity for growth as a vibrant and thriving city and region.
In recent weeks, we have been finalising a significant piece of work that will engage our members in an opportunity to provide feedback on how and why we do what we do. It is the first detailed ‘review’ of our work in my time as CEO and has been initiated by the Board to ensure Committee remains a dynamic organisation that continues to support our members as we look forward to the next 3-5 years.
In the weeks ahead, members and stakeholders will be invited to contribute their views through a range of engagement opportunities, including face-to-face meetings, focus groups, and surveys. We do hope you can make the time to get involved.
Many will know that Gayle Adams retired from Committee recently after 15.5 years of amazing service. She has been the very essence of our organisation, always there with great advice, a wicked sense of humour and incredible grace. Gayle’s kindness and generosity made you genuinely feel like the most important person in the room, and given our work as a member organisation, this was truly a gift.
I know I speak for many of our readers in acknowledging the remarkable contribution Gayle has made to Committee for Ballarat and thank her for the passion, professionalism, and belief in all we do.