West Vic Business

14/10/2026

Members, please see the October update from SEC on the Renewable Energy Park in Horsham.

The solar farm has now connected to the electricity grid, marking a significant milestone towards commercial operation in 2027.

WVB welcomes the investment in our region and the Community Benefit Fund, supporting local initiatives with $126,000 in 2026 and $100,000 annually, indexed, from 2027.

We recognise the importance of continued engagement with local landholders, businesses and the wider community to ensure the Wimmera shares in the project’s long-term benefits.

Members and community residents are invited to a coffee and chat with SEC on Wednesday 28 October, from 9am to 11am at Chickpea Café, 30 Pynsent Street, Horsham. Drop in to hear the latest project updates and ask questions about the solar farm and battery storage system.

Glenn Doyle
Chair WVB.

09/10/2026

For those who couldn’t attend the information sessions about the Dooen project, this article provides some more information

By Bronwyn Hastings A nbsp proposed -tonne-per-annum grain processing plant at Dooen could be established and operating by supplying product to national and international markets Eligible for a fast-tracked process to promote economic development the -hectare Freight Terminal Road plant will employ....

07/10/2026

It is not too late to have your say.

The feedback shared so far is already helping shape the future of WestVic Business, from the support and connections businesses value most, to the issues and opportunities that need our attention.

We are listening, and we are using this feedback to help build an organisation that delivers real value for its members and the wider Western Victorian business community.

Your perspective matters. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete.

Share your feedback here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeat9xqREKqv2lb8wvUrXXgJ2v9vbL4EOABvZMkyEN7EAwrIg/viewform?usp=header

06/10/2026

Members, please see announcement from WIM Resources.

The strong pipeline of major projects continues for the Wimmera Region.

We acknowledge affected farm holders and remain steadfast in their support during this period.

The prospect of another major project coming to the Wimmera region is an incredible result as we seek to diversify the region’s economy, while realising the value and prosperity projects such as WIM create.

Our region’s medium wage is 15% behind those of our city counterparts, and opportunities like this help to bridge these gaps.

In closing, WVB looks forward to working with WIM resources, ensuring local businesses, the local community and the wider region feel the full benefits of a project of such significance.

Glenn Doyle
Chair WVB.

04/10/2026

Thanks to everyone who came along to the West Vic Business event last Friday as we step into the next chapter for the organisation.

It was a great night and great to see so many local business owners and community members there. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for West Vic Business.

01/10/2026

Join us tonight at the Horsham Golf Club as we step into the next chapter of WestVic Business.

Drinks will be flowing, canapés will be making the rounds, and there will be plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow local businesspeople.

Meet the new Board, hear what has been happening behind the scenes, and learn more about where WestVic Business is heading next.

WestVic Business members are invited from 5.30pm. The wider business community is welcome to join us from 6.00pm.

It is set to be a great evening. Please RSVP if you have not already:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKukfkBS07ylhQ7JXGtRNPnr8lriof8rbMLHPGA3DtyzLegg/viewform?usp=header

01/10/2026

Join us tomorrow night at the Golf Club as WestVic Business brings fresh energy, new leadership and a clear focus on what is next for businesses across Western Victoria.

Meet our new Board, hear from Kieran Prestidge, General Manager of Farm Frites, and connect with the people helping shape the future of business in our region.

Drinks will be flowing, canapés will be making the rounds, and there will be plenty of opportunity for great conversation and new connections.

WestVic Business members are welcome from 5.30pm, with the wider business community invited from 6.00pm.

RSVP is essential:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKukfkBS07ylhQ7JXGtRNPnr8lriof8rbMLHPGA3DtyzLegg/viewform?usp=header

30/09/2026

The first drop in session today is at The Capital Horsham for those who are interested in attending 😊

What could a proposed wheat and barley processing plant at Dooen mean for business, farmers and the wider Wimmera region?

Victoria Grains Export Pty Ltd is proposing the Horsham Wheat Processing Plant within the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal and Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub at Dooen.

The proposed facility would process wheat and barley into value-added products including starch, gluten, ethanol, animal feed and food-grade carbon dioxide for domestic and international markets.

For local farmers, growers and businesses, this is an opportunity to learn more about a proposed development that may be relevant to the region’s grain industry, freight and logistics networks, construction and trades, professional services, hospitality providers and wider agribusiness sector.

Whether you want to understand the proposal, ask questions about the technical studies and assessment process, or share how you would like to stay informed, these drop-in sessions are your opportunity to speak directly with the project team.

Community drop-in sessions

📅 Thursday 1 October
🕒 3.00pm to 6.00pm
📍 The Capital Horsham, 109 Firebrace Street, Horsham

📅 Friday 2 October
🕒 7.30am to 10.00am
📍 Cheeky Fox Cafe, 27 Firebrace Street, Horsham

Drop in at any time during the session hours. No registration is required.

For more information, contact [email protected].

30/09/2026

Thank you to the 20 people who have already shared their thoughts.

There are some clear trends already emerging, and we are excited to start planning around the things that matter most to our local business community.

If you have not completed the survey yet, this is your chance to help shape the future of WestVic Business.

We cannot read minds, although it would make planning a lot easier.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete.

Have your say here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeat9xqREKqv2lb8wvUrXXgJ2v9vbL4EOABvZMkyEN7EAwrIg/viewform?usp=header

30/09/2026

Horsham and surrounding business owners across Western Victoria, you’re invited to help shape the future of business in our growing region.

West Vic Business is entering a new chapter, and we want local businesses in the room for the conversations that matter.

Join us to meet the new Board, connect with fellow business owners, hear from Kieran Prestidge, General Manager of Farm Frites, and learn more about the direction ahead for business in Western Victoria.

Drinks will be flowing, canapés will be making the rounds, and there will be plenty of time for meaningful conversation and new connections.

📅 Friday 2 October
📍 The Horsham Golf Club
🕠 WestVic Business members from 5.30pm
🕕 Wider business community welcome from 6.00pm

RSVP is essential. Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKukfkBS07ylhQ7JXGtRNPnr8lriof8rbMLHPGA3DtyzLegg/viewform?usp=header