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Wimmera-Mallee business is primed for a new era of solidarity with a restructured central group to provide umbrella representation for five municipalities.

Business Horsham, in recognition as the only registered commerce chamber in the state’s ‘northwest’, has formally changed its name to West Vic Business.

The new group will now represent member business interests in Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera municipalities as well as Horsham.

The new arrangement includes support for existing business groups and progress associations across the footprint area.

Group president and Horsham businessman Paul Atherton told members the move was the result of a request in October last year from national business advocacy group Mainstreet Australia.

He said the request was for Horsham to expand its service area to support surrounding shires.

“This was in response to a rollout of funding by the State Government to business groups and chambers, identifying Business Horsham as the only registered, active and staffed chamber in northwest Victoria,” he said.  

“Understanding the difficulties and sheer logistics behind sustaining a chamber long term, our executive agreed to take on the challenge and accept the request. 

“After undertaking our strategic planning process, which articulated our way forward, the first stage was to ratify the name change at an executive level, then to commence the rebranding process, of which we are still currently undertaking and working our way through. 

“Seeking business representation from each of the shires to be an integral part of our executive committee was next.”

Shire councils have recommended representatives and the new group already has in place Lachie Doyle from Kaniva representing West Wimmera and Chan Uoy from Dimboola representing Hindmarsh. The organisation is in the process of exploring other recommendations.

Mr Atherton told members finding ‘positives’ in the COVID-19 chaos was perhaps the biggest challenge confronting business.

“It is such a mixed bag for each of us. Some of our members are thriving while others are battling to survive,” he said.

“The only certainty at the moment is the uncertainty. As business owners ourselves, the executive committee feels a deep and increasing connection with our members due to this unprecedented event.  

“I am sure we are all on the roller-coaster of these changes and the emotions that each day brings, and just like your business, our chamber needs to adapt and shift with the environment that we now find ourselves in.”

Mr Atherton said as a chamber of commerce, West Vic Business was required to support and guide business owners, advocate on their behalf with state and federal governments and seek opportunities that drive positive change and business activity.

“We are truly excited at what collaborations and projects we have on the horizon for the remainder of 2021 into 2022,” he said.

Mr Atherton said the name change better reflected the organisation’s representation.

“This next phase of our journey demonstrates the inclusive and diverse nature of our chamber, representing all industry sectors, now from across the Wimmera and northern Grampians region,” he said.

Mr Atherton thanked members for their support.

“Their membership enables the development of programs and projects that build connections, networks and tangible outcomes for business owners across industry sectors,” he said.

“Stimulating the economy at this point in time has never been more important. 

“We look forward to a more positive end to 2021, and in helping to drive a successful and prosperous 2022.”

The new body’s annual meeting will be on October 17.