It’s hard to believe but I have already been C4EM’s chief executive for six months.
During that time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many passionate individuals, businesses and community organisations that make our region such a great place to live, work and visit.
For those who are not familiar with our organisation, C4EM is part of a larger family called Committees for Cities & Regions.
This family is an influential network of independent, like-minded organisations each operating within their particular area to enhance their economic, social, cultural and environmental development.
Through this monthly column, I look forward to sharing updates on the projects, events, partnerships and advocacy work taking place across our region.
This year we changed our regular business breakfast series into industry visits, with tours of Coolabah Turf and We Are Vivid.
Next month, Belinda Byford will host a tour of Byford Equipment, one of our region’s most respected manufacturing businesses.
This behind-the-scenes factory tour will provide a unique opportunity to learn about Byford Equipment’s remarkable 50-year journey, explore its end-to-end manufacturing process, and gain valuable industry insights.
As an added bonus, attendees will go into the draw to win a fire pit proudly manufactured by Byford Equipment. The winner will be drawn on the night.
The tour will take place on Friday, August 28, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
To book tickets, follow the links in our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages.
We recently hosted our annual cocktail party, and it was fabulous to see so many new faces at Junction Moama.
We also hosted Victorian Opposition leader Jess Wilson for a discussion on the issues affecting our region.
Together with C4EM members, including representatives from industry, education and community, as well as Campaspe Shire Council, the discussion highlighted key priorities including roads and freight, workforce development, housing, water security, business growth and strong community leadership.
We are excited to provide an update on Echuca's Safe Towns Project.
Since Moama Bowling Club's generous $100,000 donation enabled us to reach our target of $150,000 for stage one, we have been working behind the scenes to progress the project.
For readers who haven’t heard about the project, it will see the establishment of a modern CCTV network in Echuca’s CBD to enhance safety, deter crime and support police in responding to incidents more effectively.
Following a comprehensive review of potential sites for cameras, advances in technology and ongoing collaboration between Victoria Police and Campaspe Shire Council, we are now creating a design-and-construct brief.
This brief will form the basis of the tender process, enabling contractors to submit proposals for the project. Once the successful tenderer has been appointed, a timeline for completion of works will be established, along with plans for ongoing maintenance and operational costs.
This project would not be possible without the support of Moama Bowling Club, Echuca Workers, Echuca KFC, as well as Campaspe Shire Council, Victoria Police and Echuca Neighbourhood Policing Committee.
Finally, I'd like to thank The Caledonian Hotel's Social Club for donating $500 to the Safe Towns Project, which will be matched by the hotel. Its support is a wonderful example of the community spirit helping to drive this project forward.
If you’d like to learn more about C4EM, or discuss a challenge facing your business, please get in touch. We’d love to start a conversation.
– Jayden Howe is the Committee for Echuca Moama chief executive
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