Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Bellarine electorate women in business

Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (16:49): Recently the Minister for Small Business and Employment visited the Bellarine and engaged in a roundtable discussion focusing on women in local business and small businesses. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges that they are facing and to explore how the state government, through Business Victoria, can better support them and their business growth. Conversation covered a range of important topics including red-tape reform, workforce and skill development, finance and mentoring, technology, business growth and the experiences of women in business.

A special thankyou to Sarah from Bellarine Smokehouse & Providore in Drysdale for providing a beautiful venue and showcasing her new addition to the business with a unique shared dining experience in an open kitchen and dining setting. A massive thankyou also to Marie-Claire from the Q Train, Leanne from Jericho Pottery, Amanda from Gemaxis, Mel from Ducks Nuts, Bianca from Bellarine Tan and Glam and Nexus Excavations, Mira from St Leonards hairdressing and Alyssa from Bellarine Wholefoods, who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with me and the minister. Engagements like these are essential in shaping our policies that truly respond to the needs of local businesses. I am grateful for all those who participated, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations across the Bellarine and with the minister.