From strategy to action, driving real outcomes for Benalla Businesses

Third from left: Dennis O’Brien with the BBN Committee

Dennis O’Brien, BBN President

Welcome to my first report as the new President of the Benalla Business Network.

Firstly, I would like to thank those members who attended our recent AGM for electing me to the role.

For those who do not know me, my wife Gail and I moved to the area 22 years ago when I took up the role as Head of Dookie College of the University of Melbourne. Before moving to the area, I was Head of the School of Business at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour, NSW and Chair of the Mid North Coast Regional Development Board. The Board was one of the regional boards established across NSW to work with the NSW State Government to foster regional development through business growth.

Since completing my term at Dookie, I have been the Chair and CEO of the Winton Wetlands Project, Chair and a member of the Board of Benalla Health and a Committee Member of Waminda Neighbourhood House. I have also been involved in various roles with Benalla Art Gallery. My wife and I run a Wagyu cattle enterprise at Goomalibee.

For those of you who attended our AGM, you would be aware that we launched our strategic plan at that meeting. A strategic plan is a good start as it sets the key goals we want to achieve in the medium term but it is ineffective unless we develop an action plan that delivers on those goals. We are currently developing that action plan with the support of Magnetise Consultancy. That will be finalised in the next few weeks.

The BBN ‘s key objective is to support a local business. We feel that a thriving business sector is not only good for individual businesses but leads to a thriving community for all of us.

The BBN is an independent, community-led incorporated association that brings together local businesses across all sectors and sizes. We are committed to working closely with the broad range businesses across our entire district with support to businesses that leads to real outcomes. We aim to:

• Connect businesses across sectors through events, networking and peer support

• Support members with information, recognition and a sense of connection

• Enable collaboration and provide a collective voice (advocacy) on local business issues

I and my fellow committee members look forward to working with you to achieve these important goals