An audience of around 80 business leaders filled the Bairnsdale RSL early last week for an informative breakfast meeting organised by the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by president Trevor Hancock.
The session brought together local businesspeople to explore opportunities in offshore wind power generation, future developments at the Port of Eden, and the growing potential of mineral sands mining in East Gippsland — a region that holds an impressive 7.1 per cent of the world’s known mineral sands deposits.
The keynote speaker was Professor Arnold Dix, the charismatic West Gippslander from Monbulk, currently nominated for the Australian Citizen of the Year Award.
Professor Dix rose to international prominence in 2022 when he led a daring and ultimately successful rescue operation in the Himalayas, freeing 41 miners who had been trapped underground. Addressing 1.4 billion Indians at the time, he famously promised that the miners would be home for Christmas — and they were. His leadership during that mission has since become part of Indian mining folklore, where he is still regarded with godly reference.
Professor Dix’s engaging and heartfelt presentation at the Bairnsdale event left the audience inspired. He spoke with his trademark blend of humility and humour, sharing insights from his extraordinary career as a geologist, engineer, barrister, truck driver, author, and past president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association.
He reflected on his lifelong passions — people, flowers, truth, justice, freedom from poverty, and the dignity of human beings.
Other speakers included Ryan Leslie from Gippsland Critical Minerals, and offshore wind energy developers Paul Johnson of Southerly Ten and Will Kanavan from Pentarch. Each outlined opportunities for collaboration and investment in East Gippsland, highlighting prospects for local training, education, and employment as their industries expand.
Chamber president Trevor Hancock said he was thrilled with the turnout and the positive energy in the room.
“The feedback was incredibly encouraging,” he said.
“It was refreshing to be surrounded by people who promote business and are proud of their commitment to East Gippsland’s future.”
