The past fortnight has been a busy and productive period of advocacy, connection and forward planning for Be.Bendigo, as we continue to strengthen relationships and shape our priorities for the year ahead.
Over this time, we’ve met with current members and partners, as well as potential new partners, to explore opportunities for collaboration and new projects planned for 2026. These conversations are already helping to inform our future program of events and partnerships, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable for our business community.
Be.Bendigo was represented at the Bendigo Education Plan (BEP) Reference Group, continuing our advocacy for strong connections between education, skills development and local industry. This work helps ensure the voice of business is reflected in regional workforce planning.
We were pleased to bring members and partners together at our Christmas After 5 event on the verandah at The Shamrock Hotel. It was a great opportunity to connect, reflect on the year that’s been, and celebrate the strength of our local business network.
Media engagement also formed part of our advocacy work, with an interview in the Bendigo Times and a Gold FM radio interview highlighting Hazeldene’s Platinum Partnership with Be.Bendigo, along with the importance of supporting local businesses during the Christmas trading period.
Advocacy at a regional and national level also continued during the fortnight, with meetings focused on connectivity and the importance of air services to Bendigo’s business community.
We also hosted the Women Connect Christmas Celebration at Terrae, bringing together women in business from across the region to celebrate the year and look ahead to what’s planned for 2026.
Behind the scenes, meetings have been taking place with potential speakers as we curate our 2026 events program, alongside ongoing discussions with the City of Greater Bendigo to progress shared priorities and partnerships.
Qantas Joint Statement
Qantas representatives recently met in Bendigo with Be.Bendigo and a number of local business leaders to discuss the Bendigo–Sydney air service and what it means for our regional business community.
The discussion was open and constructive, allowing feedback from Be.Bendigo members and partners to be shared directly with QantasLink. Together, we explored how the service can continue to meet the needs of local travellers and support Bendigo’s growth and connectivity.
Both Be.Bendigo and Qantas are committed to keeping this conversation going and working together to find solutions that benefit the business community and support a strong, sustainable air service into the future.
Hayley Tibbett, CEO of Be.Bendigo, said:
“The Bendigo–Sydney service plays a vital role in connecting our city to national and international opportunities. We appreciate Qantas’ willingness to listen to the local business community and look forward to working together on ways to strengthen the service.”
Nick Collie, COO of QantasLink, said:
“We know how important the Bendigo–Sydney service is to the local business community, and we appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from Be.Bendigo.
While demand from business travellers has been strong, the long-term success of the route also depends on attracting more leisure travellers. That’s why we adjusted the schedule to better support weekend and holiday travel.
The current schedule is in place until March, and we’ll continue listening to community feedback and working closely with the Chamber and Council as we review the service in line with demand.”
As we head into 2026, we remain focused on listening to our members, strengthening partnerships and advocating for the priorities that matter most to Bendigo’s business community.
