South-east weathers

By Lia Bichel
MANUFACTURERS in Melbourne’s south-east have not only survived the challenges that have come with the Global Financial Crisis, many have thrived.
This is according to the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA)’s executive officer Paul Dowling.
Mr Dowling spoke at the group’s annual meeting and networking night at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong, on Friday 6 August.
“Melbourne’s south-east via SEMMA, SEBN (South East Business Network), Greater Dandenong Chamber and many others has been delivering services for many years providing local manufacturers with the tools, knowledge and support to assist and deal with these GFC related issues,” he said in his report.
“SEMMA remains vigilant and will continue to allocate additional resources to identify opportunities for members as well as work with governments to ensure further creation of opportunities.”
Mr Dowling said SEMMA achieved a number of things in 2009/10, including influencing the government to identify opportunities for SEMMA to contribute further to the future direction of manufacturing, promoting SEMMA through a number of avenues including sponsoring the 2010 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala in Melbourne, manning a stand at the Dandenong Jobs Expo and increasing membership.
Mr Dowling and president Russell LaCombre, who will be president for a consecutive year, thanked the board, the sub-committees, Rose Webb, Rachel Allen Burree, John Bennie Sandra George and City of Greater Dandenong. They also farewelled 2009-10 members Peter Angelico, Robert Saunders, and welcomed new members Gordon Heaton and Carl Bizon.