At Be.Bendigo, we are committed to representing the interests of the Greater Bendigo business community at every level. Our advocacy efforts ensure that the voices of local businesses are heard where it matters most, within government, education, and industry forums.
Championing Business Through Advocacy
Throughout the past weeks, our CEO Hayley Tibbett actively contributed to several high-impact discussions and strategic initiatives. As part of the Start Up Central Victoria consortium, Hayley participated in shaping innovation and entrepreneurial growth across the region. She also represented Be.Bendigo as a guest presenter at the Bendigo Regional Management Group (BRMG) meeting, and continues to provide input as a member of the La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board and the Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce—both essential platforms influencing future workforce planning and economic development.
Our ongoing collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Economy and Experience Department ensures we remain aligned with local government on shared priorities and business needs. Further strengthening our advocacy role, Hayley attended a roundtable dinner with the Secretary of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions, alongside other key regional stakeholders. To amplify regional business concerns to the broader public, Hayley also appeared on WIN News, sharing insights on local business needs ahead of the Victorian State Budget.
Building Stronger Connections Through Community Engagement
Beyond policy and strategy, Be.Bendigo continues to nurture connections and celebrate the vibrant business community that drives our region. This month, Hayley attended the Agnico Eagle Community Partnership Event at Central Deborah Gold Mine, highlighting important local projects and partnerships. She also participated in the Central Goldfields Village Business Expo as a panellist, discussing opportunities for rural and regional businesses.
To raise the profile of local entrepreneurs and initiatives, we facilitated media connections that resulted in a feature in the Herald Sun Weekend liftout, and promoted our upcoming Social Media Workshop Series on Gold Central Victoria radio.
We also collaborated with Regional Development Victoria to explore hybrid workplace trends, hosted our Coffee & Conversations listening post with members, supported the HR Network meeting, and celebrated the two-year anniversary of local business Balmain.
These engagements, formal and informal, demonstrate our continued focus on building a stronger, more connected and supported business community across Greater Bendigo.
