Invest Great Southern: a forward look at what is possible

14 May

Written By ACCI

The Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with key event partners, delivered a two and a half day Invest Great Southern Conference that attracted over 160 attendees from around Australia and the State.

There were plenty of insights, information sharing and connection creation going on across the key pillars of discussion: Agriculture, Education, Housing and Planning, Mining, Renewables and Sustainability, and Tourism.

We heard from innovators from around Australia and Futurist, Paul Higgins who implored us to not discuss whether things will change in the future but instead to consider how we’ll deal with change when it happens.

Albany Chamber CEO, Kristen Pyrz-Brown said "It was incredible to see so many local business owners took the time to invest in themselves and attend one or both days. This conference really worked to de-silo the discussions we’re all having within our organisations and bring everyone into the same room to share what might be possible for the Great Southern."

The conference included 30 speakers, 14 sponsors, exhibitors and two sundowner events, giving attendees ample opportunity to connect, grow their networks and consider future investment opportunities for their businesses and on a broader scale for the Great Southern region.

There were plenty of opportunities identified, but of course it is not without some challenges such as supporting infrastructure, additional funding support for innovation, and housing shortages. On the whole the message was that there are many opportunities for growth within the region and how the key sectors can do more to diversify and intertwine to gain key outcomes.

Kristen thanked partners Regional Development Australia, Great Southern Development Commission and City of Albany for their support in organising the event, noting that feedback we’ve been receiving so far from our partners, sponsors, speakers and attendees has been fantastic. Thanks to major sponsor, Invest & Trade Western Australia, and all other event sponsors (listed below). Thanks, and acknowledgement also to our wonderful event MC who kept everything running smoothly whilst keeping it light-hearted, Kitty Prodonovich, Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA.

Partners, sponsors and exhibitors:

Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Regional Development Australia, Great Southern Development Commission, City of Albany, Invest & Trade WA, Bendigo Bank, Roberts Gardiner Architects, Vestas, Southern Ports, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Merrifield Real Estate, Mountain Country Tourism, NBN Australia, and Great Southern Grammar.

Photos credit to Ann & Tom Photography & Videography.

View media release (PDF)