On a crisp evening in Port Pirie, the community gathered for an event that would weave together the past, present, and future of local business. The Port Pirie’s Past & Future: Business Tales and Networking Event, held at Boylan Lawyers, was a resounding success, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members for a night of storytelling, networking, and inspiration.
The evening began on the deck at the rear of Boylan Lawyers office, with festoon lights, a building that is contemporary combined with historic. One of the highlights was the moment Sebastian Hill from Boylan Lawyers unveiled a document-a will from the 1800s, complete with a red wax seal. The document, a tangible piece of history, served as a powerful reminder of the deep roots that local businesses have in this community.
Flynn Photography captured these moments perfectly, with pictures and posts being shared widely on social media, sparking conversations about the rich legacy of Port Pirie’s businesses.
The event, hosted by Business Port Pirie and Sea to Valley Startups, featured a lineup of speakers who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Wendy Perry, Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint and Founder of Switch Start Scale, MC’d the evening and shared about the free services available to people with business ideas, existing enterprises and growing or scaling up to meet demand.
Kalie Ashenden, known as The Country Counsellor, shared her insights on the importance of mental health services in rural communities. In a heartfelt speech, Kalie highlighted the need for services that are designed with and for neurodivergent individuals, emphasising that everyone deserves the support to live well, their way. Her words resonated with the audience, and her message was amplified on social media, where she posted:
“It matters that neurodivergent people have access to services designed with and for them. People are supported to explore living well, their way. Our country communities have the counselling and wellbeing services we need.” – Kalie Ashenden
The event was not just about looking back but also about celebrating new beginnings. Business Port Pirie took the opportunity to welcome its newest member, Wilson Car Sales PTY LTD, a family-owned business offering reliable pre-owned vehicles. The support and enthusiasm for this new addition to the business community were palpable, with Business Port Pirie promoting them on social media:
“We are excited to welcome new promotional BPP member Wilson Car Sales PTY LTD. Wilson Care Sales offer reliable pre-owned vehicles. Contact Stuart and Stacey today to find out how they can help you.”
The event was a reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of preserving our history, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for Port Pirie’s business community.
The success of the event was evident in the many connections made, stories shared, and the vibrant energy that filled the room. As one attendee reflected:
“What a night! Thank you for all the stories shared, connections made & good times had.” – Business Port Pirie
This sentiment was echoed by many others, who left the event feeling inspired and hopeful for the future. The night was a perfect blend of honouring the past while looking forward to the exciting developments that lie ahead for Port Pirie.
If you are interested in joining the next gathering or learning more about the businesses featured, check out Business Port Pirie on Facebook and make sure to get tickets to the annual dinner and awards night coming up on the 20th of September 2024. More details can be found at Eventbrite where tickets can also be purchased – see you there and good luck to all the finalists!