This year the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance (VRCA) met in Ballarat for their annual catch up and face-to-face meeting, with East Gippsland having a strong presence.
The VRCA was established so Chambers of Commerce and Business and Tourism Associations could meet and collaborate to support and be the voice of regional business.
The Mission of the VRCA is to be recognised as the collective voice for all Regional Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations.
The VRCA Vision is for a prosperous regional Victoria; vibrant, health, heard and connected.
On July 31, 2024 the VRCA members met in Ballarat where they got catch up in person, some for the first time.
Following COVID-19 the group continued to meet online each month but recognises the importance of also coming together annually to connect.
The Paynesville Business and Tourism Association was represented by president, Jodie Ashworth.
“Paynesville Businesses and Tourism Association (PBTA) has been a member of the VRCA for some time,” she said.
“Being part of an industry body that represents our businesses and our community is a priority and we are proud to be recognised by the VRCA as an active participant providing feedback and comment about what happens here in Paynesville. But we also proudly represent our greater region of East Gippsland of which there are five urban BTA’s and seven regional BTA’s.
“We believe it is important to belong to the VRCA which is a collective regional voice that advocates on behalf of all regional towns for greater support from the Victorian Government.
“East Gippsland should have a huge voice as we are one of the biggest regions that sometimes feels like we have been forgotten.
“So, when we get the chance the to talk about what effects our town such as workforce and skills attraction, our visitor economy and tourism, the costs of doing business and mental health and wellbeing, we definitely want to have a seat at the table and the VRCA provides that platform.
“It is also a great opportunity to catch up with like minded passionate business people who want the best for their local communities”.
The speakers were both educational and inspiring, providing valuable insights to the topic of “The Benefits of a Collaborative Relationship (Funding not just Friendship)” that chamber members could apply or consider within their own respective Chambers.
A strategic consultation provided valuable insights on “Know your Purpose, Sell your Service” which is hugely important for Chambers and Business Associations that are usually not-for-profit organisations run and led by volunteers.
The presence of the collective Chambers to discuss issues and potential solutions relating to key themes of workforce and skills attraction, visitor economy and tourism, costs of doing business, mental health and wellbeing and being able to relay this feedback through Sarah Henderson, Regional Director, Regional Development Victoria to Government, was a hugely valuable opportunity.
