WITH a cold beer in my hand and sunshine on the deck of the Woolstore Brewery last week, it almost felt like pre-covid times.
A big shout-out to all the new businesses popping up everywhere in Mount Gambier, from The Social Oak to the MG Kebab and Curry House. I’ve spotted drinks vans up around the Blue Lake and small bars and cafes down the main street and Ripley Arcade.
Sips do Happen apparently and you can’t spot a teenager without a Tia’s Café bubble tea permanently attached to their hands these days.
I’ve always been incredibly proud of people’s resilience and creativity in hard times and their willingness to give things a shot.
Sometimes, it’s a big leap to go out on your own and I commend those who take the chance and do it.
I’m always happy to see a new business starting up for many reasons. It means job opportunities for locals, a wider variety of goods and services for the community and visitors and importantly, a sign of confidence returning to the business community.
The more variety of businesses and services that are available, the better.
We’re getting more and more young professionals move to the region and why not?
We live in South Australia’s best city (yes, I’m biased). There’s many factors that go into the makeup of a progressive and liveable city, however I consider a bit of entrepreneurial spirit as one of the most important.
So, to all those new business owners out there, you may not consider yourself entrepreneurs but you’re helping create a real social and economic buzz in our city. I’m looking forward to visiting you all over the next few months.
Troy Bell
Member for Mount Gambier
