All welcome at Ballan chamber anniversary event

THE Ballan and District Chamber of Commerce will mark its 35th year at an official celebration event next week.

The semi-formal cocktail event will take place at the Ballan Bakehouse and Bar in Inglis Street from 6.30pm on Friday 13 March.

Tickets are $40 each and will cover a complimentary drink on arrival, substantial finger food and live music, with drinks at bar prices.

Bookings and RSVPs can be made through the chamber’s website, and ticket sales will close on Tuesday.

Chamber officials were unable to hold a celebration of the organisation’s 30th year because it fell during the pandemic, so they have been keen to set up this event.

Key to putting everything in place for the celebration have been president Laura Sims and secretary Asha Shanahan, who were this week busily finalising arrangements.

“It’s semi-formal,” Mrs Sims said. “We wanted something a little bit dressy so we could celebrate the night in style.”

“People like to get dressed up so we thought we may as well have something in town,” Mrs Shanahan added.

The chamber has about 30 members, drawn from in and around Ballan, Myrniong and even Bacchus Marsh.

All of those are expected to attend, with invitations also being extended to past members and even – possibly – foundation members.

Mrs Sims said past members were welcome to attend and reconnect with current members, business owners and people in the community.

“There are some still here that have retired,” Mrs Shanahan added. “We’re trying to get them to come along.

“There are some businesses that still operate where the original owners have passed away, and we’re trying to invite the kids.”

Mrs Sims said while being a chance to catch up in an informal setting, the event will also be an opportunity for business owners to network with each other and discuss topics of relevance to them.

“But when we celebrate an achievement (the anniversary), we celebrate it as a community,” she said.

Mrs Shanahan said the event will be open to anyone, not just current and past members.

“Even if you own a business and you’re not a member and you’re interested, come and meet us,” she said.

“If you have an online business in town or you work from home for a business, you can connect with people.”

The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ballan Autumn Festival, the 2026 instalment of which is scheduled for Sunday 15 March.

Members of the festival committee, which is a chamber member, will be at the event.