Welcome, members and community stakeholders. Before we begin, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our board members—Shane Packard, Alan McMahon, Sue Dalla Santa, Shannon Pillion, Tracey Brimble, Greg Williams, Michael McKinley, and our admin support Cathy George—for their unwavering dedication and passion for our community. It is this commitment that makes Business Port Augusta (BPA) the strong voice of business in Port Augusta.
It has been an eventful and rewarding year for BPA, and I am delighted to share with you the progress, achievements, and contributions we have made to the Port Augusta business community.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the incredible work our team has done to bring the Masters Games to Port Augusta. This significant achievement was spearheaded by Shane Packard, whose efforts were instrumental in securing this event for our community. BPA is proud to be a major sponsor of the Port Augusta Masters Games, which we believe will generate valuable opportunities for local businesses, attract visitors, and boost community pride.
Our involvement in key initiatives such as the Safety and Wellbeing Leadership Group, the Port Augusta Liquor Accord, the Designated Public Precinct, and the Port Augusta Investment Strategy demonstrates our dedication to making Port Augusta a safer, more prosperous place to live and do business. Through these initiatives, we actively work to improve business conditions, support community well-being, and foster economic growth in our region.
This past year has also seen our very successful Business Awards, which continue to be a highlight of the business calendar. The awards celebrate excellence, perseverance, and innovation within our community, showcasing the outstanding businesses and individuals who make Port Augusta thrive. The success of these awards reflects the passion of our business community and our collective commitment to progress.
We are also proud of our successful application for funding from the Local Business Foundation (LBF) to create a new Business Relations and Engagement Coordinator role. This position will help us better understand the needs and wants of local businesses, improve our engagement, and deliver on our strategic objectives. This role is key to our mission of building stronger relationships with our members and ensuring that BPA is a responsive and proactive force for the business community.
In addition, we have focused heavily on improving our social presence and rolling out impactful advertising campaigns. Our Buy Local campaign, our sponsorship of the Masters Games, and our support of the Port Augusta Family Fun Day at the Port Augusta Races are examples of how we are enhancing our visibility and encouraging community participation. These campaigns are designed to support local businesses and foster a sense of pride and connection within Port Augusta.
BPA has also taken significant strides in refining our strategic direction, having completed our new strategic plan. We have worked diligently to strengthen our relationships with key partners such as the State and Federal Governments, Port Augusta City Council, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far North, Tactic, and the SA Business Chamber. These relationships are crucial to our success, and we are committed to improving collaboration and aligning our efforts to better support the business community. This plan is designed to ensure that our organisation remains relevant, focused, and effective in addressing the needs of the business community. We remain committed to our mission of cultivating a thriving business environment by providing networking opportunities, fostering partnerships, and advocating for local business interests.
Port Augusta is in a prime position to capitalise on the opportunities emerging in our region. With significant projects on the horizon, our city has the potential to grow in new and exciting ways. BPA is committed to being at the forefront of this growth, advocating for our businesses, and ensuring that we all have a role in the opportunities ahead.
This has been a successful year, with an increase in our membership and many new businesses coming into town. Together, we have made significant strides, and I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to lead Port Augusta into a bright future. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Virginia Lloyd
Chairperson, Business Port Augusta