December News from the Greater Shepparton Business Network

It’s hard to believe December 2024 has rolled around already – we’ve certainly had an action-packed year!

As we approach the busy holiday season with all the festivities, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the GSBN admin staff, Tracy and Kyra, for their tireless commitment to supporting the Board and our members throughout the year. I would also like to express my appreciation to the GSBN Board Members who volunteer their time and share a common passion to contribute to the growth of Greater Shepparton Business Network. It is truly a rewarding experience to be part of the GSBN evolution and we encourage all members to consider involvement as we would welcome your assistance in our various committees and learning how we operate with an eye on filling future board vacancies. Last but by no means not least, a huge thank you to our valued members, as your enthusiastic support and engagement with our events helps to drive us to achieving our goals in supporting the Greater Shepparton business community.

2024 has been a groundbreaking year for GSBN and we are excited to continue our programme of networking events and activities in 2025 with a vision of better connection and shared learnings within our diverse business community. We ask you to continue to spread the word and encourage your personal network of friends in business to join the GSBN movement.

On behalf of all the GSBN team we wish everyone a safe, joyous, and prosperous trading and holiday period.

Stephen Schneider
President – GSBN

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable year for the Greater Shepparton Business Network. This year has been filled with exciting milestones, inspiring achievements, and meaningful connections that continue to strengthen the foundation of our business community.

Membership Growth & Engagement
We are thrilled to share that our network has grown substantially in 2024! This brings us closer to our goal of creating a diverse and vibrant community of businesses across Greater Shepparton. We’ve seen incredible engagement at our events and online platforms, as members come together to collaborate, learn, and support one another.

Events That Made an Impact
GSBN hosted a record number of events this year, offering members a variety of opportunities to network, develop skills, and showcase their businesses. Highlights include:

– Greater Shepparton’s 2024 SPC Business Excellence Awards, where we celebrated the hard work and success of local businesses. It was a night to remember, with 14 businesses and 3 individuals being recognised for their outstanding achievements, and a record number of 441 attendees at the Gala Dinner Awards Presentation.

– Winners Breakfast Proudly Sponsored by OPTUS, an event held to celebrate the incredible achievements of the businesses and individuals recognised at this year’s Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards. Proudly sponsored by OPTUS, the event brought together award winners, sponsors, and special guests for a morning of networking, inspiration, and recognition. Held at Noble Monks in Shepparton, attendees had the opportunity to share their stories, connect with like-minded professionals, and reflect on their hard work and success.

– In Conversation with Jelena Dokic, an event that was a true highlight, inspiring attendees with the resilience, courage, and determination of one of Australia’s most beloved sports personalities. Held at the GV Hotel in Shepparton, the event offered an intimate and heartfelt discussion with Jelena as she shared her journey from tennis stardom to overcoming adversity and becoming a passionate advocate for domestic violence and mental health. The evening left attendees uplifted and motivated, shining a spotlight on the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Advocacy & Collaboration
GSBN continued to advocate for the needs and interests of our members, working closely with local government and organisations to address key challenges and opportunities in our region. Through our partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we ensured our members’ voices were heard.

Digital Growth & Communication
This year saw a significant boost in GSBN’s online presence, with increased engagement across our social media channels and website. Our social media campaigns spotlighted member businesses and promoted local events and initiatives, ensuring members’ efforts reached wider audiences.

Looking Ahead
As we close the chapter on 2024, we are already planning an even more impactful year ahead. With new initiatives, events, and resources on the horizon, GSBN remains committed to supporting and championing your business.

To our members, sponsors, and partners: thank you for being part of our journey this year. Your passion, dedication, and collaboration have been the driving forces behind our success. Together, we look forward to making 2025 another year of growth and opportunity for the Greater Shepparton business community.

Our Members-Only Christmas Networking Event, held on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at The Aussie Hotel, Shepparton, was a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season and connect with fellow business professionals. The event brought together GSBN members for an evening of festive cheer, delicious food, and great company.

Attendees had the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the year’s achievements, strengthening existing relationships and forging new connections in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect way to celebrate the incredible work of our business community and the many successes we’ve shared throughout 2024.

A huge thank you to all our members who joined us, making the event a memorable and joyful occasion, and a great way to end 2024! We look forward to continuing to celebrate our collective successes in the year ahead!

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) offers a comprehensive range of tools and templates designed to simplify and streamline various aspects of business management. Whether you’re managing your workforce, improving workplace compliance, or looking to refine your business strategy, VCCI’s Tools and Templates page is an invaluable resource for all.

This resource hub includes customisable templates for business contracts, performance reviews, health and safety assessments, and financial planning, helping businesses maintain professionalism and efficiency. Additionally, the page offers guides on legal requirements, industry best practices, and essential business frameworks.

By accessing these tools, businesses can ensure they meet legislative obligations and adopt best practices, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of compliance issues. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, these templates can be adapted to suit your specific needs and help your team stay organised and compliant.

VCCI’s Tools and Templates page is continually updated to reflect the latest business regulations and standards. Be sure to explore it regularly to take full advantage of the resources available. If you’re unsure about how to apply these templates, VCCI’s expert advisory team is also available to assist with any specific enquiries.

Explore the full collection of tools and templates today on the VCCI website to access resources that will support your business through every stage of growth and development.

The Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN), in partnership with the Greater Shepparton Business Centre, is conducting a short survey to better understand the training needs of local businesses. As business operators ourselves, we know the challenges of finding the right training programs and planning for skill development in today’s fast-paced economy.

This 5-minute survey is your chance to let us know what training and development opportunities would most benefit your business. Your input will help us collaborate with training providers to bring valuable, professionally facilitated programs to Greater Shepparton.

Your feedback matters! Take a few moments to complete the survey and contribute to the growth and success of our local business community.

Destination Goulburn Valley invites you to an unforgettable long-table lunch, nestled under the tranquil shade of Olive House’s olive grove. Celebrate the region’s finest farm-to-table produce with a three-course menu featuring local favourites like Bunbartha Beef, Redevski’s Coolstores, Goodlookin Googees, Olivehouse, and Plunkett’s Orchards. Sip on handcrafted wines and soak in the acoustic melodies of the Matty and Jamie Duo, creating the perfect backdrop for this celebration of community, flavour, and land.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Olive House, Kialla West
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 23rd February 2025
💵 Tickets: $125pp | Discounted rates for groups of 10+
🍷 Additional Info: Drinks available at bar prices

Make it a weekend! Contact Quest Shepparton on 5814 4800 and mention “Our Table” event and provide a copy of your receipt to receive a 15% discount on your accommodation.

Supported by the Victorian Government, this event honours the growers, makers, and partners who bring the Goulburn Valley to life. Gather your friends, family and colleagues for a memorale dining experience, and celebrate the season!

The Labour Hire Authority (LHA), responsible for overseeing Victoria’s labour hire licensing scheme, will visit Shepparton to provide a free information session for local businesses. This session is designed to support industries such as commercial cleaning, horticulture, and security, ensuring compliance with Victorian labour hire laws.

Topics include:
– Obligations under Victorian labour hire law.
– Licensing, compliance, and enforcement focus.
– Tools and resources for businesses.
– Q&A session.

Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, 18 December 2024
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Venue: Shepparton Library – Meeting Room, 41–43 Marungi Street

As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform you all of our upcoming office closure dates. To ensure our team can enjoy a well-deserved break and recharge for the new year, the GSBN office will be closed from Thursday 12 December 2024 and will reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.

During this time, our Executive Officer Tracy, and Administration Assistant Kyra will be unavailable to respond to emails or phone enquiries. We kindly ask that if you have any urgent matters or require assistance, you contact us before 5:00pm on Wednesday 11 December 2024. Rest assured, we will prioritise responding to any outstanding enquiries as soon as we return in January!

Thank you for your understanding and support throughout 2024. It has been a fantastic year, and we are excited to return in 2025 to continue providing valuable services, events, and opportunities for our members and community.

On behalf of the entire GSBN team, we wish you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Greater Shepparton City Council offer a range of Grants and Funding opportunities each year to local residents, businesses, and community groups.

To view available funding, click here.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the following new local businesses to join the Greater Shepparton Business Network this last month.

Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the many businesses that have renewed their memberships with us.

Bala Trading Company
Cleen Servicez Groop
Emma King Criminal Law
Goulburn Valley Hotel
Maxam Printing
Parklake Hotel
VLS Consulting

Please visit our website at www.gsbn.net.au to learn more about: Membership, Events, Training and the SPC Business Excellence Awards.
We have a range of membership options to suit your business, and our events provide networking opportunities for you and your business.
A membership can be obtained for as little as $330.00 per year, join us today!