2025 has been one of those years. Meetings stacked on meetings, inboxes overflowing, and by December… most of us are running on caffeine and calendar reminders.

But through the chaos, Greater Springfield’s business community showed up. Again and again. We packed out rooms, backed local causes, and held space for meaningful conversations that mattered.

Behind the scenes, GSCC worked hard to make it all happen, not just to tick boxes, but to build something stronger for 2026 and beyond. And while we’re proud of what’s been achieved, we know the work is only just beginning.

39 Events. 48 New Members. One United Community.

This year, the Chamber delivered 39 events, and every single one had a purpose: to strengthen connection, deliver value, and grow business in our region.

From informal coffee catch-ups to gala award nights, each gathering brought our members together in real and valuable ways. The appetite for connection has never been stronger, and your participation proved it.

Even more encouraging? We welcomed 48 new members to the Chamber in 2025. That’s not just a number, that’s 48 new businesses saying “we believe in this community.”

Events That Brought Our Community Together

International Women’s Day at Springlake Hotel

Held in May, this event was more than a celebration, it was a commitment.

Hosted at the Springlake Hotel and in support of The Packed With Care Foundation, the lunch saw heartfelt conversations, community spirit, and an incredible $3,300 raised to support families doing it tough. A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed.

Christmas in July – Brighton Homes Arena

A night of joy, laughter and giving. This year’s Christmas in July, held at Brighton Homes Arena, proudly supported RiseUp, helping families impacted by domestic violence rebuild with dignity. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised $3,235 to support this vital cause.

GSCC Business Awards – Springlake Hotel

This event continues to grow in prestige and energy. Held at Springlake Hotel, our 2025 Business Awards was a night to remember, spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and dedication that define Greater Springfield’s business landscape.

The Breasties Long Lunch

Intimate, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. This event raised $4,595 for the Mater Foundation’s Chicks in Pink, helping support women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The day was a perfect blend of fun and purpose, with a community that showed up with both heart and generosity.

Event Capacity Challenges, And What We’re Doing About It

While the energy at our events has been incredible, we also need to be honest, Springfield’s current venue options are holding us back. Multiple events this year reached capacity too early. Some of our community missed out, not due to lack of interest, but lack of space.

This isn’t something we’re ignoring. As a Committee, we are actively working on long-term solutions to address Springfield’s venue limitations. Our growing business district deserves larger, more versatile event spaces that match its ambition and population growth. You’ll hear more from us on this in 2026.

Doors Are Opening

2025 marked a pivotal shift in our advocacy efforts. For the first time in years, GSCC gained direct access to state government ministers, an essential move for a region growing as rapidly as Greater Springfield.

Breakfast with Steve Minnikin MP

As Minister for Customer Service and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin laid out a clear focus: putting small business first. His commitment to cutting red tape and improving access to government support struck a chord with our members.

Breakfast with Brent Mickleberg MP

As Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickleberg offered crucial updates on major infrastructure projects in our region, projects that will directly shape business growth, logistics, and daily life in Springfield.

These aren’t just events. They’re evidence of momentum, of our Chamber being seen, heard, and included in decisions that impact us all.

What Our Members Told Us, And What We’re Doing About It

This year, we put the spotlight on you. The 2025 Member Survey gave us valuable insights, and we’re not letting those insights sit in a drawer. Here’s what we learned:

Event Preferences

• • After-hours socials and industry-specific workshops are in demand.

• • Networking breakfasts and boardroom lunches are still going strong.

• • Members suggested fresh ideas like wine tastings and business speed dating to keep formats engaging.

Education & Development

• • Top workshop interests – Marketing, leadership, tech & innovation, and mental health.

• • Members clearly prefer in-person learning (46%), followed by hybrid formats (28%)

Timing

• • For casual coffee meetups, before 9 AM is the winner

Government Engagement

This message came through crystal clear in our 2025 Member Survey. Local government needs to do better.

85% of members said it’s the most critical tier of government for business engagement, followed by state and federal levels. And yet, it’s where many of you feel the least seen, the least supported, and the most frustrated.

What our members are asking for isn’t unreasonable. It’s practical, clear, and long overdue:

• • Access to grants

• • Support for innovation

• • Reduced red tape

These are not wish list items. They’re the basics. And while some positive steps have been made at the state level, our local business owners are still struggling to get the clarity, access, and responsiveness they need from local council. That has to change.

The Chamber is stepping up its efforts to drive this. We’re working behind the scenes to open more doors, get better answers, and ensure local voices aren’t lost in process.

In 2026, you’ll see us pushing harder to bridge the gap between business and council. You’ve asked us to advocate. We will.

Elevating Local Voice with the GSBC Podcast

One of the standout milestones in 2025 has been the launch and momentum of the GSBC Podcast.

With more than 20 episodes released this year, it’s become a powerful new channel for our members and local businesses to share their insights, journeys, and expertise with the broader community.

This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform. One that celebrates local stories, shines a light on innovation happening right here in Greater Springfield, and builds connection beyond the walls of a meeting room or networking event.

It’s helping us tell the real stories of business in our region, and we’re only getting started.

The Road to Brisbane 2032

Another emerging focus from our survey: the Olympics.

Many members are looking ahead to Brisbane 2032 as a unique opportunity for visibility, growth, and inclusion.

Here’s what you want:

• • Marketing & visibility support (26%)

• • Advocacy for local business involvement (25%)

• • Networking with Olympic stakeholders (21%)

We’re taking those numbers seriously. Over the next year, GSCC will begin laying the groundwork to ensure Springfield businesses are positioned to benefit from one of the world’s biggest stages.

A Few Words on the Chamber’s Direction

What we heard from you this year was clear:

• • You value professional, inclusive, community-driven leadership.

• • You want more workshops with tangible outcomes.

• • You want deeper advocacy that gets real results.

• • And you want to feel connected: to each other, to government, and to opportunities.

We’re working on all of it. Our Committee is taking the survey results directly into 2026 planning. You’ll see this reflected in:

• • Event formats

• • Policy discussions

• • Government lobbying

• • Workshop design

• • Communication strategy

We’re not just listening. We’re acting.

Changes in the Committee

This year, we also saw new faces and transitions within our leadership team.

We were proud to welcome Tye Hillam as a new Committee Member. His energy, perspective, and drive are already making an impact.

At our recent Committee meeting, Matthew Taylor-Farrington was appointed Vice President, a role he’s stepped into with clarity and commitment.

Kathy Manby earlier this year took on the role of Secretary, helping to streamline our internal operations and communication.

We also thank Paula Rizqallah for her service to the Chamber Committee. Her decision to step down and focus on her business is one we respect deeply, and her contributions won’t be forgotten.

What’s Next?

We’re entering 2026 with our sleeves rolled up and the mission is clear:

• • Keep fighting for more support and access to local government.

• • Push for infrastructure that matches Springfield’s size and spirit.

• • Build out programs that directly respond to your needs.

• • Strengthen the business voice in our region.

And we’ll keep showing up, with energy, purpose, and a whole lot of hustle.

To Our Members, Thank You

None of this happens without the businesses that show up, day in and day out.

You’re the ones creating jobs, solving problems, and helping families across Greater Springfield put food on the table, pay their bills, and build their futures.

Whether you joined us at an event, gave us feedback, or simply kept your doors open and your teams running, thank you. You’re the reason this Chamber exists, and you’re the reason it matters.

We’ve made progress in 2025, and while we’re proud of what’s been achieved, we’re even more focused on what comes next. There’s a lot of work ahead, but we’re ready for it.

On behalf of the GSCC Committee, thank you for your trust, your support, and the role you play in shaping Greater Springfield.

Here’s to a well-earned break, and a strong, united 2026.

Warmly,

Neil Coupland

President, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce