Young and restless: Geelong Young Professionals’ Rebecca Bourchier, Emma Bell, Jay Burke, Pip Stork, Nicole Walters, Mel O’Shanassy, Nicole Litjens and Pat Hoey.
By John Van Klaveren
A GROUP of young people is demonstrating that interest groups have a future in Geelong.
Geelong Young Professionals has defied perceptions of Gen X and Y as self-interested and adverse to linking with like-minded people.
The group’s chairperson, Emma Bell, said members tended to be active and involved.
“The reason why we get a good response is because the group is specifically for younger professionals,” she said.
When she’s not chairing Geelong Young professionals, Emma is creative director at Ultra Violet Design.
Established under the auspices of the city’s chamber of commerce, Geelong Young Profes-sionals runs four events a year.
“We have to credit the chamber because it has been innovative in setting this up and actively promoted it,” Emma said.
“Geelong has great network base through the chamber and other organisations like Business and Professional Women or Geelong Business Network but they’re predominantly made up of older or more-mature professionals and it can be daunting for 20-somethings.
“Our group is peer to peer and builds confidence. It’s young professionals doing business with each other and bringing value to their roles and businesses they work for.”
Emma said the group also helped retain young professional talent in Geelong as an increasing number moved to Melbourne to further their careers.
“Established and traditional formalities aren’t as attractive to Gen X and Y,” Emma observed.
“A lot of creativity can come from a relaxed nature about runnings things.
“Plus, we really listen closely to the feedback we get from members and rely on suggestions for guest speakers for our coming events.”
Emma said membership of the volunteer not-for-profit group was free.
“If you feel young and feel professional then feel free to join in.
We operate on sponsorship and ticket sales to our events. We have a lot of service professionals who like to get out and network.
“In fact, we’re looking for sponsors for our August event.”
The next Geelong Young Professionals event features Tristan Miller, who ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks around the world.
Mr Miller took on the challenge after losing his job when Google closed its Melbourne office.
Emma said anyone seeking information about the GYP network breakfast at The Pier on Wednesday should email enquiregyp@gmail.com or phone 5222 2234.
