Twenty years ago, I was privileged to be assigned a project under the Victorian State Government’s StreetLife Program, that tasked me with the onerous role of successfully amalgamating two existing but opposing business groups. 

Doing so meant bringing all parties together in a productive and collaborative manner, seeking an operating model that would have longevity and sustainability, and spoke to every sector of the business community.

At the time, I could not have known that this moment would mark the beginning of a deeply personal and profoundly rewarding journey, one that would span two decades in the not-for-profit sector, and ultimately lead me to the role of ambassador for what is now West Vic Business.

This role has never simply been a title. It has been a responsibility, one grounded in listening, understanding  and advocating. 

It has meant immersing myself in the unique needs of each sector, learning the stories behind the shopfronts, the struggles behind the balance sheets, and the aspirations that drive our local businesses forward. 

I have had the privilege of walking alongside business owners through their most challenging moments and their proudest achievements, advocating one-on-one across local, state, and federal governments, and seeking opportunities where none previously existed.

From the early days with Business Horsham, I remember standing shoulder to shoulder with determined operators like Bonnie and Clyde’s Pizzeria as they fought to get their doors open, battles that required persistence, belief, and no small amount of advocacy.  These moments shaped my understanding of what it truly means to represent a business community.

More recently, it has been an absolute joy to ‘ride along’ with Rightbank Brewing Society.

Their persistence, determination and tenacity embody everything that is great about regional enterprise. 

Watching their journey unfold has been a reminder that success is rarely linear, but always worth the effort.

Then came 2019, and with it, a challenge none of us could have anticipated. The pandemic tested every assumption, every system, and every safety net. 

In those moments, it was the strength of long established relationships that allowed us to sidestep bureaucratic hurdles and deliver support where it was needed most, directly, quickly  and effectively. 

It was a humbling and, in many ways, life-changing experience.

As we emerged from that three-year cycle, one truth became undeniably clear, Business Horsham needed to evolve. 

Our community does not operate in isolation. 

Horsham and its surrounding shires and townships are intrinsically linked, economically, socially and culturally. 

With some Horsham businesses deriving up to 49 per cent of their revenue from surrounding areas, the sustainability of the broader Wimmera Mallee region is not optional, it is essential.

And so, West Vic Business was born.

This evolution was more than a rebrand, it was a reimagining. 

We set out to build credibility and standing not only at a state level, but nationally, within chamber networks and government bodies. 

We expanded our executive to include diverse industry representation and embedded key stakeholders into our framework, creating a model grounded in collaboration, trust and shared purpose.

From this foundation, truly innovative projects began to emerge.

The Lake Precinct Development Project stands as a legacy I am incredibly proud of. 

What began as a simple conversation with the Green Lake Water Sports Committee grew into a bold vision –  a connected precinct of three distinct lakes, Green Lake, Taylors Lake and Dock Lake, each serving unique recreational, environmental and tourism purposes, anchored by the Taylors Lake Football Netball Reserve as a central hub.

The potential was, and remains, extraordinary. Small lake economies have demonstrated their capacity to inject millions into local regions. 

Now imagine that multiplied and through strategic development, community engagement and thoughtful activation. 

This is about more than tourism. It is about creating a multi-generational asset, one that attracts families, retains youth, fosters creativity and strengthens community connection. 

We hand this project to Horsham Rural City Council with immense pride and optimism as it progresses toward its master planning stage.
Another initiative close to my heart is Hungry Town. 

Designed as a bridge between generations, it addresses one of the most pressing challenges in our region, business succession. 

With the Wimmera Mallee home to some of the highest concentrations of baby-boomer business owners in the country, the need to engage the next generation is critical.

Hungry Town takes a fresh approach, connecting students with business education through a platform that blends corporate partnership, practical learning and creativity. 

Through collaborations with NAB and Woolworths, and a YouTube cooking series hosted by local hospitality professional Stewart Neighbour, the program sparks early conversations about business ownership. 

While still in its infancy, its potential is significant, expanding into roundtables, mentorship opportunities and pathways for those seeking alternatives to traditional university routes.  

These projects are just two of many, so many that we are incredibly proud of and that have had very real and very tangible outcomes. Our region stands on the precipice of change. And with change comes hesitation and consternation, but always, on a positive, opportunity.

We are the stewards of that opportunity. It is our responsibility to shape a region that allows people to live, learn and grow locally, whatever that may look like for them. 

But one thing is certain, ‘new’ is not optional. 

With an ageing population, economic diversification is no longer a discussion point, it is an imperative.

As I step away from this role, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. Through an entrepreneurial lens, I see opportunity on every corner. 

Developers are recognising our strategic position, at the centre of the Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney triangle. 

New industries are knocking on our door. Growth is coming. And while growth brings challenges, the alternative is simply not viable.

So my parting message is this, move forward with an open mind and a genuinely collaborative heart. 

Be selfless in your thought process, and strive to see all sides of the coin. The future of our region depends on it.

To our members, our stakeholders  and our partners across all levels of government, thank you. 

To our state representative bodies, Mainstreet Australia and VRCA, your support has been invaluable. 

But most importantly, to the business community, thank you for trusting me with your stories, your challenges and your dreams.

Regional business is not just commerce, it is community. It is people. It is life. It is a shared story, and it has been the greatest privilege of my career to be part of that story.

And as I look ahead to my next chapter, whether that be taking the time to enjoy life or seeking out a new challenge, it’s not goodbye. It’s see you around.

The entire June 24, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire June 24, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!