A place for innovation

GEELONG has always been a city of innovators.

One of the members of the first Geelong town Council, James Harrison, is famous for having pioneered mechanical refrigeration, while the Ferrier brothers of Geelong created the famous wool-press.

Years later, Gilbert Toyne invented the Hills Hoist, or as we know it these days the common clothesline, a household item nobody can do without.

All of these ideas were necessary for the age the inventors lived, and as we have evolved as a society, so too has the way that entrepreneurs and innovators think and view the world.

It is why I am excited to see what comes out of the ‘Nexus – cleantech and circular economy showcase’ event next month.

This event will bring together attendees from local businesses, industry, academia and government, to discuss the latest developments in the clean technology sector and the role the Geelong region can play in achieving a circular economy.

Importantly, local innovators will have the opportunity to showcase their clean and green business ideas as part of the occasion on Friday, August 11.

The event will include presentations, panel discussions, and an exhibition of cleantech and circular economy products and initiatives.

In addition, it will feature the Climate Launchpad ‘Pitch Finals’ for the Geelong region, where local hopefuls will pitch their green start-up ideas, in the hope of progressing to the Asia-Pacific finals.

I am proud of the ongoing work Council is doing in this space, and as chair of the Environment and Circular economy portfolio, it is inspiring to see the work so many are doing in the community.

Council’s ‘Our Community Plan 2021-25’outlines how we will work to make Greater Geelong internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region, and these events highlight the types of people who are doing their bit to push that endeavour.

Similarly there is some great work being done in the business community, and another event set to launch next month is the annual Geelong Small Business Festival.

This year the City of Greater Geelong has announced a new partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce for the Geelong Small Business Festival, which will see the Chamber take the lead in delivering the event, and continuing to support the continued growth and evolution of the festival.

This has become a must-attend festival for local businesses and entrepreneurs looking to connect with each other, be inspired, and learn how they can grow their operations.

It is worth noting that the Geelong Small Business Festival is open to operators and entrepreneurs from all industries, and for businesses of all sizes – including sole traders and home-based businesses.

If this sounds like you, I would encourage you to get involved and attend a session or workshop, as each year thousands of participants gather in Geelong for this special event.

It provides insights, resources, and practical strategies for navigating the evolving business landscape successfully, and from an environment and circular economy perspective it is yet another opportunity to see what other organisations are doing and whether there is anything we can take away that might benefit the world around us.

For more info on either event, visit the below links via the Council website:

geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8db795c3c820301.aspx

geelongaustralia.com.au/business/calendar/item/8d9d6976c06d878.aspx

Cr Peter Murrihy

Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong