More than 50 local contractors and business operators turned out for East Gippsland Shire Council’s first procurement and tendering workshop – ‘Tradies Forum - Winning Government Business’ – on Monday, September 10, at the Bairnsdale RSL.

The forum, designed to assist local small businesses understand council’s procurement and tendering processes, was well received.

Attendees heard from Daley Thompson (localised business development manager) on the Gippsland business connect portal, Fiona Weigall (council’s manager project office) on upcoming council contracts, Ben McLaughlin (council’s senior procurement officer) on procurement processes, and Evan Downie (council’s workplace health and safety advisor) on occupational health and safety. Carol Benton, of Small Business Victoria, facilitated a workshop on how to win government business.

Council encourages local contractors and businesses tender for works and services and if they require assistance with the process to contact council.

PICTURED: Kiah Cashman and Fiona Weigall, of East Gippsland Shire Council, with local contractors, Glyn Baker and Phil Birnie, at last Monday’s Tradies Forum in Bairnsdale