East Gippsland Marketing Inc. (EGMI) is entering 2026 with renewed energy, highlighting regional achievements, business growth opportunities, and a full calendar of community and industry events.
In a message to partners and stakeholders, executive officer Fiona Forsyth celebrated the success of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising the leadership of Citizen of the Year Tracey Ah Sam, Young Citizens Banjo Jackson and Chelsea
Wellman, the Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland, and the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
“You represent the very best of us,”
Ms Forsyth said.
EGMI also highlighted regional ambition on the international stage, with local partner Patties Food Group supporting Team Australia Baseball at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Tokyo, featuring the iconic Four’N Twenty logo on players’ uniforms.
Growth and partner relationship manager Sally Lythgo encouraged businesses to join EGMI, emphasising collaboration as a driver of regional impact.
“Coordinated action consistently delivers far greater impact than going it alone,”
she said.
EGMI was founded in 2009 to energise collaboration and continue a legacy of regional growth and connection.
The organisation’s partner spotlight focused on Happy Changemakers, led by Jodie and Robert, who provide guidance to small businesses on strategy, marketing, growth, and pivoting. Their support strengthens EGMi’s role as a driver of positive change across East Gippsland.
EGMI is also hosting a business networking event at Quest Bairnsdale on Wednesday, February 18, 7.30–9am, featuring
Kim Kleinitz from Kim Kleinitz Coaching and Consulting.
Participants will learn how to leverage psychosocial safety in the workplace to boost team culture, performance, and business competitiveness, ahead of new workplace regulations effective December 1, 2026.
For businesses seeking support, EGMI highlighted a range of grant opportunities, including the Tiny Towns Fund, Vic Investment Fund, Trunk Infrastructure Fund, and programs offered through the Gippsland Community Foundation. In addition, Business Victoria is offering free online workshops throughout February covering social media, marketing, small business startup, government grants, and cash
flow management.
The organisation is also helping the community close out summer with a long weekend of events in Paynesville from February 27 to March 1, featuring the first-ever Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, the Raymond Island Car & Bike Show, and the 2026
Bream Cup fishing tournament with a $15,000 cash prize pool. Fishing enthusiasts can also view live demonstrations with
the Berkley Supertank.
Ms Forsyth encouraged locals and visitors to share their East Gippsland moments using #loveeastgippsland, saying 2026 promises to be “a year of unprecedented achievement” for the region.
