October 2024
Exciting Times Ahead: Fostering Community Connection, Upcoming Events & Year-End Celebration!
As we begin November, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments and progress we’ve made throughout October. It has been a month of meaningful engagement, from successful delivery of events to attending member events and strengthening connections that continue to drive our collective growth. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.
Looking forward, we have a number of exciting events on the horizon, including our highly anticipated end-of-year celebration at the Polo. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our successes, and collectively look toward the future. We also invite those in our broader business community to come along and extend your network, connections and explore our wonderful Tourism precinct.
In my recent outreach across the region, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the needs of Wyndham and how we can better support local businesses to foster a thriving, dynamic business community.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership. Together, we will continue to drive positive change.
Warm regards,
Leanne Down
Chief Executive Officer
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Committee for Wyndham Annual General Meeting
The Committee for Wyndham held its Annual General Meeting and is pleased to announce the following appointments to our Board:
Chair: Craig Kennedy
Deputy Chair: Lesley Rogan
Secretary: John Sheen
Board Members: Barry Harrison, Wayne Butson, Ryan Ling, Prof. Vasso Apostolopoulos, and Katrina Bye.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Peter Mayall, who steps down after 14 years of dedicated service, including eight years as Chair. Peter's leadership and steadfast advocacy for Wyndham, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, have been invaluable. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.
Finally, we extend our thanks to all our volunteer board members for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the Wyndham community.
A Reflective Look at Our Melbourne Cup Breakfast!
What could be better than breakfast, coffee, horses, and networking? Our recent Melbourne Cup Breakfast offered all this and more! Members indulged in an eventful morning as they geared up for the Spring Racing Carnival ahead.
Attendees enjoyed a watching the horses train fand immersing themselves in the excitement and tradition of the sport. But it wasn’t just about the horses; the atmosphere filled with meaningful discussions that helped foster long-lasting relationships among members. We were honored to have esteemed guests join us on the day - Adam Wilkinson, the Club General Manager; Joe McGrath, the Cup Tour Manager, also known as the Keeper of the Cup; and Greg Miles, whose familiar voice has graced the Melbourne Cup as a renowned race caller before his retirement as well as Paul Bloodworth, Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager of Racing and Head Of International.
members also had the opportunity to take photos with the Melbourne Cup, which is worth $750,000 due to the current price of Gold.
Werribee Racing Club:
Werribee Racing Club boasts a rich history that highlights one of Wyndham's many significant stories. Established in 1861 on land donated by Chirnside family, it stands as one of Victoria's oldest racing venues, celebrating a culture of horse racing over 160 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, the club hosts a variety of thrilling race days throughout the year, attracting both local and regional visitors. An interesting fact that many may not know is that Werribee Racing Club is the only facility in Australia that quarantines international horses for eight weeks before the Melbourne Cup. This process provides vital support to our local economy through tourism, dining, and spending. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a community supporter, there’s always something exciting in store at Werribee Racing Club.
At the Committee for Wyndham, we take great pride in organising and executing high-caliber events like these. They provide our members with a valuable platform to showcase their businesses while allowing us to listen to their needs and advocate for them. We look forward to more events that connect, inspire, and empower our members!
To find out more about Werribee Racing Club visit - Werribee Racing Club
Reflecting Upon Wyndham's Newest Developments and Discovering the New Ones: East Werribee Precinct Briefing
We are excited to share that our members had the opportunity to engage with the upcoming East Werribee Precinct development project. We were fortunate to hear from project leads, Caithleen Jones, Director of Precincts; John Casey, Manager of Business Precincts; and Josh Newton, Senior Project Officer from the Department of Transport and Planning. Their insights into the "what" and "why" of this significant development shed light on its importance for our region.
As Wyndham continues to experience substantial growth, it is vital that our infrastructure evolves in tandem. The new development aims to enhance the scenic beauty of East Werribee while creating job opportunities. They also focus on improving transportation efficiency and fostering high-quality urban environments that promote economic, social, cultural, and environmental excellence.
This project is a crucial step toward a vibrant and sustainable future for Wyndham, and we are proud to support it.
The Committee for Wyndham is an active part of the stakeholder reference group and will continue to relay our members' thoughts and suggestions to this group. We appreciate the commitment from the Department of Transport and Planning to keep us updated through future engagement sessions. They find our members' feedback particularly insightful, as it often raises topics they hadn’t previously considered.
A heartfelt thank you to all members who participated in this important discussion! Your engagement is what makes our community thrive.
To find out more visit - East Werribee Opportunity Statement
Exciting Developments: The Hudson Hub at Williams Landing
We are thrilled to share that Leanne Down, our CEO, had the pleasure of participating in the significant SOD for the new Hudson Hub, the sixth office building in Cedar Woods' Williams Landing development. This exciting project promises to invigorate the local economy by creating jobs and expanding business opportunities throughout the region!
As James Bovell, Cedar Woods’ Victorian State Manager, noted, the Hudson Hub is generating remarkable interest in the local real estate market, with approximately 65% of the office suites sold even before construction is complete. This 74-strata office building, which features five retail suites, is already making a notable impact on our community.
Designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, decentralised office spaces, the Hudson Hub will enable local residents to reduce commute times and enhance their work-life balance. As the project progresses, Cedar Woods remains committed to connecting local businesses with opportunities, ensuring a robust and diverse economic landscape.
Cedar Woods
Cedar Woods Properties is a prominent national developer specialising in residential and commercial projects. Founded in Perth in 1987, the company has expanded to become one of Australia's top developers. Cedar Woods is known for its ability to create innovative communities that address the changing demands of its clients. Whether it’s urban subdivisions, medium to high-density apartments, townhouses, or commercial and retail spaces, each Cedar Woods development reflects a strong commitment to quality and fosters thriving, vibrant environments where people can live, work, and flourish.
This landmark development exemplifies our region’s dedication to growth, innovation, and sustainable living. We look forward to seeing the positive effects this project will bring to our community!
To find out more about Cedar Woods visit - Cedar Woods
Celebrating 50 Years of Community Excellence
Leanne Down, CEO, had the honor of attending the Wyndham Community and Education Centre Inc.’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Joining her were esteemed guests, including Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the 27th Prime Minister, who served as the special guest speaker. Together, they celebrated the launch of the new multicultural services building, the anniversary book, and the official unveiling of the Julia Gillard Community College.
Wyndham Community and Education Centre
Wyndham Community & Education Centre Inc. (Wyndham CEC) is a leading provider of community programs, educational services, and employment support within the local region. Established in 1974, Wyndham CEC is one of Victoria’s largest providers of Adult & Community Education and has a long-standing reputation for empowering individuals and communities to achieve positive and sustainable change for their future. Wyndham CEC has a mission to be a leader in educational, social, cultural and community services on Wyndham City and surrounds to therefore improve lives and strengthen communities.
Leanne's participation in such pivotal moments highlights her commitment to creating a brighter and more vibrant Wyndham region. Her community values resonate deeply with the essence of what our Committee stands for.
A heartfelt thank you to the Wyndham Community and Education Centre for this special invitation. It truly was a beautiful day, shared with remarkable individuals including Dr. Jennie Barrera, Joanne Ryan MP, Tim Pallas MP, Gayle Tierney MP, and Hon. Julia Gillard. Here’s to many more years of community growth and collaboration!
To find out more about Wyndham CEC visit - Wyndham CEC – IMPROVING LIVES, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
All Welcome: Join Us for a Special Event Open to Committee for Wyndham Members and Non-Members!
Cheers To a Year of Success!
We are thrilled to invite you to help celebrate a remarkable year with our members and the business community.
Proudly sponsored by Victoria University and The Gordon!
Join us for an afternoon of lunch, drinks, networking and excitement as we enjoy a thrilling private polo match, along with the famous stomping of the divots.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to spotlight our prestigious tourism region, featuring highlights such as Werribee Open Range Zoo, Equestrian Victoria, ShadowFax Winery, Werribee Mansion, Lancemore Hotels, and the exhilarating world of polo!
As we conclude the year, you'll have the chance to hear from our Chair, Craig Kennedy, and CEO, Leanne Down, as we look forward to another incredible year together.
Ticket Details:
Your ticket includes delicious finger food, drinks, and access to the polo match. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow members and business community and celebrate our collective achievements!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
ONLY 7 TICKETS LEFT
Wyndham Connect: A Conversation with Our Four Local Labor MP'S
The Committee is excited to host an exclusive lunch for Committee Members on November 15th, featuring Wyndham’s four Members of Parliament. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with our MPs and gain firsthand updates on the priorities shaping our community.
Proudly sponsored by Western United Football Club, this event promises an inspiring exchange of ideas among those dedicated to advancing Wyndham. Don’t miss your chance to connect with fellow members and be part of this important dialogue about our community's future!
Tickets are limited to 2 per organisation, until sold out.
Invitations for Corporate PLUS, Corporate and Business Members have been sent out - please advise if not received.
THIS EVENT WARMLY WELCOMEs EVERYONE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, NOT JUST OUR MEMBERS
Unlock the Power of AI: Join Us for an Exclusive Microsoft 365 Copilot Session!
Date: 12th November Arrival: 4:00 PM for a 4:30 PM start
Are you ready to harness the power of AI in your business? Join us for an insightful session on Microsoft 365 Copilot, hosted by the Committee for Wyndham and led by Kenstra. This event promises live demonstrations and practical insights that you can implement immediately to enhance your operations.
Meet Our Speaker:
We’re thrilled to welcome Jackson Christie, a GenAI enthusiast with decades of experience in the ICT sector. He specializes in helping businesses and government organizations adopt new technologies. Jackson will share how to leverage AI tools for a competitive edge, increased productivity, and enhanced security.
Key Takeaways:
- Live Demos:Witness AI tools in action, from summarizing meetings to analyzing business data.
- Immediate Applications: Gain insights you can apply right away.
- Productivity Boost: Discover how AI can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from the extensive expertise of Craig Kennedy and Jackson Christie.
Don’t miss this chance to see firsthand the tangible benefits of integrating Microsoft Copilot into your business.
Venue: Chirnside by the River, 200 Watton Street, Werribee - Level 1 function room
We look forward to seeing you there and helping you transform your business with cutting-edge AI tools!
Welcome New Members and Thank You to Renewing Members!
We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to all our new member who has recently joined the Committee for Wyndham. Your decision to become a part of our community is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working together to make a positive impact in Wyndham.
To our returning members, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and dedication. Your commitment plays a crucial role in the success of our endeavors, and we are grateful for your ongoing participation.
Thank you once again to all our members, both new and returning, for your invaluable support.
What does it mean to be a member of the Committee for Wyndham, and how can it shape your connection to the community?
At the Committee for Wyndham, we strongly believe that creating connections, advocating, and educating and telling Wyndham's story are the source to driving business success.
Why join the Committee for Wyndham?
- Advocacy - Advocacy is central to our mission, guiding our strategic efforts to foster positive change and prosperity in Wyndham. By championing the interests of our members, we build a thriving business network that enhances both economic vitality and the overall well-being of the community.
- Connection - At the Committee for Wyndham, we believe in the power of connection to drive growth and innovation. Our key initiatives under the theme of “Connection” are designed to foster collaboration, understanding, and synergy among our diverse business community.
- Educate and tell Wyndham's story - The Committee for Wyndham is committed to educating and illuminating the vibrant story of our community. Through our key initiatives under “Educate & Tell Wyndham’s Story,” we are dedicated to empowering businesses with knowledge, fostering growth, and enhancing sustainability.
Don't miss this opportunity to help your business grow and thrive. Contact us today on 0493 571 876 or via email admin@committeeforwyndham.com.au to learn more about how a Committee for Wyndham membership can benefit you.
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