Graham Fitton President Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association 29 Aug 2019

The WBTA took a couple of big steps forward in August. 

Our new revamped website is up and running, and all members are being uploaded to the site and have been getting a shout-out on our Facebook page.  If you haven’t seen it head on over to www.wonthaggibusinesses.com.au. It’s a big step forward from our old site and new members can now apply online to become members!

We also held our first networking night for a long time at the Coffee Collective in McBride Street.  It was a terrific night in this great venue, thanks to James and his team for their hospitality and service.  We had 25 people turn up on the night, and as a result of the new connections made on the night, some previously unconnected members are now buying from each other.  We also signed up 3 new members the night as well.  Most of us stayed on and got a behind the scenes guided tour of Foon’s Photographics by Alan Foon the owner himself.  If you haven’t seen Alan’s operations, they are well worth a look.  We are planning our next event in October, so keep an eye out for that one it’s going to be very interesting!

Lon a separate note , last week I went to a meeting on Phillip Island for a review of Regional Tourism being led by Mary-Anne Thomas MP.  There were six of these meetings held around the state designed to explore opportunities to better support tourism in the regions and get the most from the current investment.  Tourism is big part of the Bass Coast economy, so everyone has a vested interest in getting the best value for money on tourism expenditure. One of my main themes was to ensure that mainland Bass Coast doesn’t get lost in the message between Phillip Island and the Prom.  Other forums I have attended, such as that which coined the term ‘Penguins to Prom’ as a potential name for the new coastal walk, highlighted the importance of Wonthaggi as an important link in the tourism chain. With all of the new investment in Wonthaggi over the next decade we need to get on the map as a destination in our own right.

On a final note I would encourage all residents to shop local where they can and support those businesses that have invested in our community.