Celebrating the Remarkable Impact of Women in Business Mornington Peninsula

The saying, “we make a living by what we get…we make a life by what we give,” profoundly captures the spirit of why so many individuals choose to dedicate their time and effort to meaningful causes.

As we approach International Volunteer Day on December 5, it’s an ideal occasion to recognise the remarkable collective impact generated by the businesses affiliated with Women in Business Mornington Peninsula (WiB MP) within their local community.

In just two short years since its inception, WiB has grown strategically, fostering a membership of 52 female-led businesses based on the Peninsula. The extent of their positive influence over the past year is nothing short of astonishing.

Leading up to our Annual General Meeting in August, WiB conducted an Impact Survey among its members, seeking to gain deeper insights into the challenges and influences faced by our business leaders and how we can best support them.

The results surpassed our wildest expectations, as articulated by WiB Chair, Melissa Goffin. “Last year, WiB member businesses collectively contributed over $52 million to our local economy, employing more than 1300 individuals, with three out of four respondents having a workforce composed of 75% or more women. Additionally, an impressive 86% of our members regarded their social and environmental impact as an integral part of their decision-making or a specific measure of their organisation’s success.“

The community’s well-being and positive impact are core values for our members. Yet, the sheer scale of their economic contributions was a delightful revelation. These figures are nothing short of remarkable, and the extensive employment opportunities they provide, primarily for women, is a testament to their significance in our local economy.

Another striking statistic emerged from the survey: WiB MP businesses collectively donated 6318 hours of volunteer, community, and charitable work within their local community, with an equivalent value of approximately $316,000. The commitment of our members to be a ‘force for good’ is clearly evident, and they embody this ethos in both their professional and personal lives. The Mornington Peninsula community is indeed fortunate to have these women as drivers of positive outcomes.