Bunbury Geographe is officially moving into the Noongar season of renewal. You can see it around town, with bright yellow wattles beginning to bloom and the landscape taking on that unmistakable sense of new growth.
It feels like an appropriate time to look at some of the new opportunities emerging for businesses across our region.
Defence projects on a scale we haven’t seen before
The scale of Australia’s defence investment is difficult to overstate, and the opportunities for Western Australian businesses are significant.
That was certainly the message I took away from SCOPE2026, a supply chain and procurement event held in Perth last week. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA for the invitation to attend.
We heard from procurement experts representing organisations including Austal Ships, Fortescue Metals, Alinta Energy and Multiplex, with discussions covering major projects such as the RAAF Base Curtin Redevelopment and the Henderson Defence Precinct.
One comment from a major construction company particularly caught my attention: defence projects are now being delivered on a scale we have never seen before.
The scale of investment was compared with the mining boom. And, importantly, the opportunity isn’t limited to the largest contractors.
There will be opportunities across the supply chain from Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors through to the smaller businesses that provide specialised products, services, skills and expertise.
For businesses in the South West, the Henderson Defence Precinct presents a particularly significant opportunity. With our diverse economy, industrial capability, manufacturing expertise and proximity to major transport infrastructure, this is an opportunity we should not ignore.
A good place to start is ICN Gateway, a supply chain and procurement portal that lists major projects and opportunities. Businesses can search by company or by state.
If you are interested in exploring the defence supply chain, I encourage you to take a look. Visit it here: https://gateway.icn.org.au/
For Chamber members wanting to understand more about entering the defence sector, we are also in contact with the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) and can facilitate introductions to help businesses understand what is required to become defence suppliers.
Free trade agreements are opening doors
Defence isn’t the only area where we are seeing significant opportunities.
Over the past month, we have met with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australia India Business Council to discuss Free Trade Agreements and what they could mean for businesses in our region.
India is a particularly interesting market, with tariffs on many Australian goods continuing to move towards zero under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
For the South West, our diverse economy and access to the port create a strong platform for businesses looking to export.
The opportunity is not simply about large exporters. Businesses of all sizes should be asking whether there are international markets where their products or services could compete.
DFAT is working closely with Austrade to support businesses exploring these opportunities, and the Chamber can help make introductions for members considering entering new markets or expanding their existing export activities.
Bringing Christmas to Bunbury
Closer to home, there is another opportunity for local businesses, community groups, schools and clubs to get involved.
The Christmas in the City Street Parade will return to Bunbury on Sunday, 13 December, with the parade running from 5pm to 6pm.
Whether it’s a spectacular Christmas display, walking group, festive float or something completely different, the parade is a great opportunity to showcase your organisation while helping create a memorable event for the wider community.
Applications open at 9am on Friday, 4 September and close at 5pm on Friday, 6 November.
How to Apply: https://bunbury.smartygrants.com.au/CITC26STREETPARADE
Empathy in the workplace
One of the things I value about the Chamber is the opportunity to give our members a platform to share their knowledge and perspectives.
Our latest guest post comes from Leanne Shaw of Reboot Mindset Training, who challenges some of the common assumptions we make about empathy in the workplace.
Empathy is sometimes viewed as being soft or sympathetic. Leeanne argues that true empathy is about meeting people where they are, understanding their experience without making assumptions, and then helping them move forward.
For leaders, that means knowing when to pace yourself and your team to build trust, and when to lead, set expectations and drive accountability and performance.
It is a timely reminder that good leadership is not about choosing between empathy and accountability. Often, it requires both. Read Leanne's article here: https://bgcci.com.au/news-items/guest-post-empathy-at-work---what-if-its-not-what-you-think
A new membership year
September is our main month for renewing the majority of Chamber memberships, and many of you will have received an email from us about your renewal.
Of course, we hope you will continue your membership. But I would also encourage you to take the opportunity to tell us what you need from the Chamber.
Our role is to advocate for business, create connections, provide opportunities and help our members navigate an increasingly complex business environment. To do that effectively, we need to understand what is happening in your business.
So, please get in touch with me directly.
And remember, we are not just a Bunbury Chamber. We are equally active across the broader Geographe region, and we want businesses throughout the South West to see the Chamber as a place where they can connect, learn, advocate and grow.
Our event is being held at Harvey Cheese on Thursday. It would be great to see you there. Register here
As the first signs of spring appear across Bunbury Geographe, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
The opportunities are significant. The challenge is making sure our local businesses are ready to take them.
Regards,
Sean McKeown
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry
ceo@bgcci.com.au
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