Businesses across South Australia have cheered success following the inaugural AFL Gather Round over the weekend.
The South Australian Business Chamber’s Chief Executive Andrew Kay commends Premier Peter Malinauskas on a round well done.
“The Malinauskas Government had great ambitions for the inaugural Gather Round and it turned out to be a raging success.
“Businesses traded well all weekend. They are now eagerly making plans for the next three years”, said Mr Kay.
With the Gather Round secured in South Australia until 2026, we can further capitalise on the huge influx of tourism.
700 business people attended the official the South Australian Business Chamber and AFL Gather Round Business Lunch on Friday. It was clear by the strong attendance business is keen to be involved in the Gather Round and capitalise on the opportunities it brings.
The South Australian Business Chamber is encouraging governments, councils, and businesses to plan ahead and set our sights high. With AFL Gather Round 2023 a resounding success, we can expect increased demand from interstate visitors next year, and we can go bigger and better.
Conversations must start now with councils and government to realise opportunities for the regions. We should also look at street parties and extended trading hours to ensure businesses can make the most of the Festival of Footy.
Property tycoon Theo Maras told the South Australian Business Chamber he has never seen the city and the suburbs alive like they were on the weekend.
“The East End, North Adelaide, West End, Central Market, and Norwood all reported exceptional trading.”
Mr Maras, who has a significant interest in many CBD and inner suburban hospitality and retail outlets has indicated his intention to open the Central Markets on Sundays of future Gather Rounds, saying it was a missed opportunity in 2023.
“A bustling Sunday at the iconic Adelaide Central Markets was the only thing missing on the weekend”, said Mr Maras.
Kylie Schmidt, owner of Perryman’s Bakery in North Adelaide said her business had a huge weekend, which they definitely attribute to Gather Round.
“Our store was filled with footy fans, locals, and tourists alike.
“We think South Australian bakeries are unique and we love sharing classic South Aussie fare like Cornish pasties and Kitchener buns with our interstate friends. Hopefully, we will see many of these new customers again”, said Ms Schmidt.
Preliminary results of the South Australian Business Chamber’s quarterly Survey of Business Expectations for the March quarter, conducted in partnership with William Buck have found 73% of respondents believe big events are good for business. Full results are expected to be released in May.
