By Eleanor Wilson
Fountain Gate’s Sporting Globe restaurant was abuzz on Tuesday night, as the Narre Warren Berwick Business Group (NWBBG) celebrated its sold-out launch event.
NWBBG was formed in November last year as an amalgamation of the former Narre Warren Business Group, Berwick Business Group and Berwick and Beaconsfield Chamber of Commerce.
About 100 attendees from various businesses across the City of Casey networked, with
Berwick MP Brad Battin, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, La Trobe MP Jason Wood, City of Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson and City of Casey Director City Planning and Infrastructure James Collins all present on the night to offer their support.
The guest speaker for the night was former VFL player and current commercial and partnership manager for the Casey Demons and Casey Fields facility manager for the Melbourne Football Club, Peter Maynard.
Mr Maynard provided the crowd with a range of insight into fostering a successful business environment and maintaining motivation in the workforce.
He said the Melbourne Football Club’s decision to focus on recruitment as a business strategy was pivotal in the club’s success in the league.
“They put down a list of values and behaviours they wanted to see in every single person they recruited and said ‘this is non-negotiable’ – if you can tick every box, you can come in…that led us to a premiership in 2021,” Mr Maynard said.
Creating a comfortable, safe and positive work environment is becoming increasingly important to employees, he said, noting awards and recognition are becoming “more of an added bonus” among workers.
NWBBG president Dale Munckton said the support and attendance from the local business community for the launch event was fantastic.
“Our launch event was a great kick start for 2023 and with another six networking events scheduled, we look forward to an exciting year ahead,” he said.
“There is clearly a desire for local businesses to connect with each other.”
The NWBBG is holding its second event, the Better Living Festival of Berwick on Saturday, 1 April from 10am to 4pm in High Street, Berwick.
