The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) hosted its highly anticipated monthly dinner, known as ‘Business After Five,’ on the 26th of June at the prestigious Canterbury Leagues Club. This premier networking event entitled “Leveraging our Unique Qualities” brought together around 200 professionals from various sectors, creating an atmosphere ripe for collaboration, idea exchange, and business enhancement.
Attendees eagerly gathered, representing a diverse range of industries, eager to connect and forge meaningful partnerships. Notable dignitaries graced the event, including State MP Steve Kamper, an esteemed Minister for Lands and Properties, Small Businesses, Sport, and Multiculturalism, holding an impressive portfolio of responsibilities. Alongside him were State MPs Nathan Hagarty (Leppington) and Kylie Wilkinson (East Hills), alongside the respected Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, Bilal El-Hayek, and several esteemed council members.
Before the official program commenced, attendees expressed their gratitude for the CBCC’s monthly dinner, acknowledging the invaluable networking opportunities it provided. The consistent high quality of the CBCC’s events was duly noted, leaving a lasting impression on the business community.
The evening kicked off as Wally Mehanna, the President of CBCC, invited guests to take their seats. He commenced by acknowledging the sponsors and contributors who made the event possible, extending gratitude to the dignitaries present. Two sponsor videos from Settlement Services International (SSI) and Saad Consulting Engineers were showcased, followed by engaging discussions with representatives from each company.
The SSI representative highlighted the pivotal role CBCC plays in their success, emphasizing the platform’s ability to connect them with individuals and businesses in the Bankstown area. Moreover, she underlined how these connections assist SSI in their mission to support individuals struggling to find employment. The representative from Saad Consulting Engineers elaborated on their company’s achievements, including their expansion plans to the Middle East while emphasizing the importance of ongoing success in Sydney and Newcastle.
Following a short break for the main meal to be served, the program resumed with an impactful speech from MP Kamper. Addressing the audience, he shed light on the challenges businesses faced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs. Kamper acknowledged the government’s efforts in alleviating the impact but emphasized the crucial role played by strong partners like the CBCC.
A captivating panel discussion ensued, featuring MP Kamper, Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NRL Bulldogs team Mr. John Khoury, CEO of Multicultural NSW Joseph La Posta, and CEO of SSI Violet Roumeliotis. Each panelist delved into their respective sectors, sharing insights on the challenges and successes they encountered. This interactive session sparked lively conversations and provided attendees with valuable takeaways.
To conclude the official program, Mayor El-Hayek delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to all attendees and commending the CBCC for hosting such a remarkable event. He celebrated the city of Bankstown, describing it as a diverse and vibrant place where people from around the world would aspire to live, thanks to its exceptional qualities.
The evening drew to a close, leaving attendees inspired and motivated by the connections made, knowledge gained, and the promising future ahead. As the event concluded, participants eagerly anticipated future initiatives and upcoming events, eager to continue their engagement with the CBCC and further contribute to the success of the Bankstown business community.
