By Eleanor Wilson
Three business groups in the City of Casey have voted to merge to create one of the largest business groups in the municipality.
Committee members from the Narre Warren Business Group (NWBG), Berwick Business Group (BBG) and Berwick and Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) voted to form the ‘Narre Warren and Berwick Business Group’ on Monday 7 November.
Committee members elected former NWBG president Dale Munckton as the group’s inaugural president, who said the merger was “the best path forward”.
“The presidents of the three groups felt that each group had their own strengths and were very complimentary of each other, so we came to the decision that by merging it would give local business the best benefit and would take away the need for a local business to decide which group to join,” Mr Munckton said.
He said he hopes to foster a “strong and united” business group.
“We’re really excited about the benefits this merger will deliver to local businesses,” he said.
“I grew up in Narre Warren and Berwick, so I consider it a privilege and an honour to have the opportunity to lead a group that represents those two areas.
“My aim is for us to deliver events and deliver a support network that the local business community are looking for, and members will help dictate exactly what it is they’re looking for.”
Mr Munckton said he hopes the group can provide a voice to the City of Casey on behalf of local businesses.
“Another one of our goals is to be a voice to council for those local businesses and to be able to address matters to council that are impacting local businesses,” he said.
“Because Casey [council] does not have local councillors at the moment, local businesses don’t have that same pathway to raise matters, so we’re really looking to provide them that voice.”
The group has elected former BBG president Magda Dabaco as vice-president, Callen O’Brien as treasurer and Sarah Higgins as secretary.
Mr Munckton said the Narre Warren Business Group anticipates to reach over 100 members by the end of the financial year.
It will hold its first official event on Sunday 27 November, with a Walk4BrainCancer at Berwick Springs Lake.
The group has so far raised almost $6500 of its $10,000 goal for the walk, which will take place at 10am at Promenade Avenue.
For more information about the walk, head to walk4braincancer.com.au/walks/berwick
