Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
WELLINGTON Point traders, the Chamber of Commerce, and Redlands Economic Development met this month at Hogans for a gathering designed to share ideas and strengthen community connections.
Cr Wendy Boglary organised bringing everyone together and championing this collaborative effort.
As part of the Chamber’s placemaking initiatives, the meeting focused on energising the precinct and creating vibrant hubs where businesses and the community can thrive.
“Wellington Point has so much potential and such a unique identity, it’s just a matter of tapping into what that looks like and bringing it to life,” one Chamber representative said.
Many small businesses, traders, hospitality operators, and shop owners are short on time, and much of what happens in the community relies on volunteer efforts.
“It takes the right leadership to make things happen – leadership that keeps it simple, thinks outside the square, and respects the need to cut through council red tape to find solutions that are economically affordable, attract people to the region, and remain sustainable over the long term,” the Chamber member added.
“The goal is not just one-off events, but building iconic activities that return year after year, with less work and more impact.”
Even service-based industries, such as real estate agencies, can play a role in bringing the precinct to life.
“Even though businesses who are offering a service and not gaining immediate economic input from an activation, they can still contribute by thinking collectively, being on the same page, and leaning on our strengths and weaknesses to make the whole lot come together,” the Chamber member noted.
Looking ahead, the Chamber is eager to keep momentum going.
“We’re going to be working with Wellington Point traders, hopefully on a couple of good small foundation ideas that we can start off with focusing on,” another Chamber member said.
“But until we’ve got something solid, we’ll keep those discussions going.
“It will take a good mindset and willingness to contribute from the businesses for it work, it can’t be the responsibility of one person alone.”
Redland City Council officers shared valuable data insights, a hands-on Retail Toolkit, and business support resources, providing a strong foundation for future planning.
Special thanks to Michael Clark from Daisy Layne, who captured the meeting and shared inspiration from the Bloomfield Collective campaign in Cleveland – proof of what’s possible when traders collaborate and create together.
