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OPINION: Business get-togethers a mood-lifter

Peter FiorenzaGeraldton Guardian
Peter Fiorenza.
Camera IconPeter Fiorenza. Credit: The Geraldton Guardian

Every month, or so, I have the pleasure of attending an excellent function.

In fact, I have been lucky enough to attend this function for close to 10 years.

Every month the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry stages its Business After Hours event, which brings business, industry, government and local government together under one roof.

Maybe it happens elsewhere, but it is certainly a great opportunity to meet a considerable cross-section of people in the community.

And the various locations where the event is held make it even more special.

In the past, I’ve attended functions in varied places, from an aeroplane hangar to a mechanical workshop and a school gymnasium — something that adds to the event’s allure.

Each month, BAH is hosted by a sponsor or member.

This initiative puts an extra focus on the business or organisation and is often an introduction to the many people who attend.

All of this comes together to create a terrific environment in which to chat and meet, make new acquaintances, or catch up with old friends.

I just love it — and even more so since the advent of COVID-19.

We all know when coronavirus first hit, social distancing was put strictly into effect and many social gatherings were off the table.

Parties, weddings and funerals were restricted to limited numbers, and this included events such as BAH.

Being a people person, I definitely struggled and, like many, I became a little depressed.

During lockdown, I found the lack of interaction with others had a really negative effect on me.

And that was for just a few weeks. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like in Victoria.

There is no doubt meeting and talking with other people gives you a lift — if only for the fact listening to others tell you about their lives and experiences gives you something vital to get through life — and that “something” is perspective.

Sometimes, I find it hard at the end of a working day to drag myself to a meeting instead of just going home and flopping on to the couch.

But I always find after doing so, I am a little invigorated and have a clearer mind, without some of the mental roadblocks that had been plaguing me to some extent.

BAH is a definite mind-clearer for me.

From the moment I arrive at the event, I’m greeted with smiles all round, simply because, I reckon, like me, the people there know it’s the place to be.

* Peter Fiorenza is the host of Fiorenza on Sundays, 10am-noon on Radio MAMA.

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