It’s been five years since the Stretton Centre opened its doors and set out on an ambitious mission to become a business incubator to cater for the North of Adelaide.
Since then, the iconic building based in Munno Para, has been home to 88 local co-working businesses, ranging from creative and business services, to real-estate, counselling and job ready agencies, as well as a community library that many families enjoy.
The Centre has achieved tangible benefits for the community and local industries through advocacy, business support, job creation and supporting community learning.
Emma Werner, Events Coordinator, has been with the Stretton Centre since the very beginning,
“I have seen start-up businesses grow, take on more employees and move on to get their own premises.”
The Stretton Centre team has played a key role in the development of economic and industry regional strategies. Business support activities facilitated have seen $7.6 million in grants awarded to the region, leading to $86.5 million investment and the creation of 586 local jobs.
“The Centre is a supporter of local jobs for local people and we have hosted 16 work placement students as well as seven trainees, who have gained Certificate III qualifications in Business or Customer Engagement. It is pleasing to see that all of our trainees have gone on to gain employment either at the Council, or in the private sector,” said Emma.
Focused on real opportunities for local industry, the Centre hosted a Naval Group Australia breakfast, where over 60 local businesses including plumbers, electricians, welders, manufacturers and engineers learnt about the business opportunities within the Australian Submarine build project.
“We have hosted a range of industry training and networking events including, ABC Mornings with Ian Henschke, Northern Adelaide Trade Event, NDIS Business Support Program, Horticulture Industry Dinner, International Women’s Day, SALA and community art exhibitions,” said Emma.
Emma is most proud of successfully delivering events online during COVID-19 restrictions. “We were able to work quickly to develop relevant events to help businesses navigate government financial support and online marketing in a time when the business community needed support the most.”
Hugh Stretton, is the Centre’s namesake and was one of the country’s leading intellectuals, who believed in leaving Australia fairer than when he found it. The Stretton Centre will continue to live up to his legacy and be a catalyst for positive change.