Business owners, industry leaders and local representatives gathered at the Mornington Racecourse last week for the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Summit — a full-day event focused on strengthening the region’s business community.
The summit featured panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, drawing strong attendance and engagement from across the Peninsula.
Cr Kate Roper, who attended the event, said the summit provided a valuable forum for discussion on improving business operations and addressing regional workforce challenges.
“Several speakers and panel discussions focused on how to improve business and attract employees, including the ongoing barrier of limited transport across the Peninsula,” Cr Roper said.
Panel members represented a wide cross-section of local industry, including Torello Farm, Commonfolk Coffee and Alba Thermal Springs. Each offered insights into business growth, innovation, and resilience in the face of regional constraints.
Breakout sessions were themed around issues such as Sustainability in Business and Building a Business That Gives Back, giving attendees practical strategies and new perspectives on embedding social and environmental responsibility into their operations.
The day also included keynote presentations from industry experts and thought leaders, offering forward-looking perspectives on regional business trends, workforce development and economic growth.
There was time set aside for informal networking throughout the day, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences and explore potential collaborations.
The summit was presented by the Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with Chisholm Institute and supported by Business Victoria, with the aim of recognising and celebrating the Peninsula’s diverse and thriving business community.
Cr Roper said organisers were “very happy with the number attending” and praised the diversity of businesses represented.
The Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Summit is part of a broader strategy to foster innovation, build business capability, and support sustainable economic development across the region.
