Local businesses connect, share and celebrate at mid-year networking event

More than 120 traders representing 55 local businesses came together for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ Mid-Year Business Networking event, held on Tuesday 17 June at Rio Coffee in Stepney.

The evening provided a valuable opportunity for local traders to connect, share ideas and celebrate the ongoing strength of the local business community.

Mayor Robert Bria welcomed attendees, taking the opportunity to thank local traders for their continued investment in the City and embracing key Council initiatives such as the Eastside Business Awards and leveraging opportunities including the Eastern Region Alliance (ERA) Business Advisory Service.

Mayor Bria shared insights and trends emerging through Spendmapp data that reflects this strong participation and indicates continued local economic growth, citing a record $2.08 billion spend in our City for a 12-month period, ending May 2025.

This figure feeds into the wonderful story that this City can tell, which is, according to the CreditorWatch Business Risk Index, that the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters has been recognised for having the 'lowest risk of business failure' in Australia, for nine consecutive months.

“There are just under 540 councils in Australia and we have been number one for nine consecutive months, says Mayor Bria.

“This is not a result of what we have done as council, this is because of you. So, give yourselves a round of applause. It's an amazing effort.”

Leveraging the opportunity to acknowledge some long-standing success stories, Mayor Bria presented the Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards to three worthy recipients:

• Jarvis Ford — 25+ Years Silver Commendation (pictured above)
• Norwood Parade Cycles — 25+ Years Silver Commendation
• Merlin Post Productions — 10+ Years Bronze Commendation (pictured below).

“It’s important that the Council recognises businesses that have made a substantial investment in our City over many years, providing exceptional goods or services and local employment opportunities,” says Mayor Bria.

“It’s a pleasure to present these Commendation Awards as part of this event, to help foster a strong spirit of recognition and connection.”

The Council extends its sincere thanks to Amelia and the team at Rio Coffee for generously hosting the event and showcasing the craftsmanship and quality their business has been known for over decades.

To find out more about upcoming business networking opportunities, visit: Business Networking Events

Images from the night: