Edwardstown Regional Business Association

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:31): Last night was cause for celebration thanks to a visionary group of businesspeople who, through modest beginnings, founded the Edwardstown Regional Business Association 10 years ago. I was there last night, and it was good to see the member for Mitchell there as well. The Edwardstown Regional Business Association began with just six members. There was agreement between these inaugural members that to offer a forum to support and connect business would be beneficial, and so Edwardstown Regional Business Association, more affectionately referred to as ERBA, began. The inaugural members, all bar two, I am told, are still involved in some way.

The vision held by the founders to foster and promote small to medium business through networking, shared knowledge, ideas and resources came into being. Last night, the founding members of ERBA, which was then known as Edwardstown and Melrose Park Regional Business Association (incorporated in January 2006) were present. They were Neil McNish, City of Marion; Glen Robertson. Signarama, Melrose Park; John Crase, Castle Plaza Shopping Centre; Kelly Keates, Zonge Engineering; and Roy Young, Terry White Chemist, Castle Plaza. All were duly acknowledged and recognised and applauded for their foresight and commitment.

The name of the group was officially changed to Edwardstown Regional Business Association in December 2010. Last night, co-chair Greg Garrihy announced that at their recent AGM members officially agreed to change its name to Southern Business Connections. The philosophy of the name change was based on the sound argument that this association did not just serve the interests of those businesses in the Edwardstown and Melrose Park areas but also had members from all over metropolitan Adelaide.

The aim of facilitating the development of businesses in the inner south of Adelaide and surrounds through engagement, connection and information has clearly captured the imagination and harnessed a need in businesspeople, as we now see this association having grown to 130 or so members. Amongst this membership, which incidentally is growing at a steady and constant rate, are keen promoters of the association through the avenues of gold, platinum and bronze sponsorship and corporate sponsorship. Last night, we saw a popular choice when the energetic and committed Paul Williams, managing director of Comace, recognised as the second only life member of ERBA.

Also named and recognised last night were ambassadors of this association, people who have gone the extra mile for the association to promote and welcome new people and new members. Those recognised were Paul Williams, Comace; Kosette Lambert, Advanced Focus; Kelly Keates, Zonge Engineering; Ines Patritti, Patritti Wines; Cathy Buttfield, Sar Major Canvas Goods and Trailers; Peter Koster, Wayville Telstra Business Centre; and Neil McNish, City of Marion.

Last night, as is the routine of this group, one business also had the opportunity to showcase what they do, and so it was that Neville, from Australian Welding Solutions, demonstrated one of their drones as he offered a description of the use of the drones in their work of surveying, qualifying and quantifying contracted work. We were privy to learn that the responsibilities of engaging drone technology requires the user to have obtained a pilot's licence and also, prior to flying the drone, notify and gain permission on relevant airspace. The drone also took a group photo of the gathering while it was hovering near us in the sky.

This year, ERBA has championed many forums of all aspects to support and educate businesses, plus it has arranged business-to-business visits. Among the forums and guest speakers have also been the Treasurer, minister Koutsantonis, post budget to give an update and to have a conversation, and in an important and very well-attended forum of over 250 attendees to discuss and confront mental health issues of business owners and those in business.

I am really happy to be associated with this wonderful group of people who are passionate and committed in promoting and progressing South Australia through their focused innovation, collaboration and positive determination. I am privileged to work with them and enjoy their contagious energy and attention to advancement. Congratulations, ERBA, on turning 10. I look forward to watching the association grow and develop over the coming years and also continuing my involvement supporting, promoting and advocating to ensure our small to medium-size businesses develop and evolve to be their best.