Cheers to 170 years

HUNDREDS of local businesspeople packed into The Pier Geelong last week for a celebration of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s illustrious 170-year history.

More than 450 guests gathered for the special anniversary event that captured the changing face and ongoing success of Geelong industry since the city’s earliest days and the chamber’s formation in 1853.

Nikki and Norm from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation began proceedings with a Welcome to Country, while Corangamite federal member Libby Coker gave her account of the region’s business history including her time as a Geelong journalist.

Former presidents Norm Lyons and Kylie Warne joined incumbent president John Steklenberg for a panel; discussion about the recent challenges and achievements of the chamber – from advocating for a revamp of Geelong transport that culminated in the Geelong Ring Road, to how it pivoted to fit its members’ demands during the COVID pandemic.

The event included a video produced by Ryan Chamley and Milk Video capturing the 170-year history, an early release of a 16-page print liftout from last week’s Geelong Times and sponsor videos from Torcht Productions.

The chamber also thanked its event sponsors: Bendigo Bank, DeakinTALENT, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Godfrey Hirst, Harwood Andrews, Patrick Rowan & Associates, Prestige Jayco, Preston Rowe Patterson, The Gordon, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, and Xtreme Technology along with John and Mary Stekelenburg.