Why Local Business Networking is Rockingham’s Secret Weapon
Behind the scenes of the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Rockingham Nissan & St Johns Wine.
by Wade McColl (16/04/2026)
A RKCC car parked outside of the Business After Hours event at the Rockingham Nissan building. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
Last night, the showroom floor of Rockingham Nissan was transformed. The smell of new cars was replaced by the aroma of premium St Johns Wine, and the usual sales talk was swapped for high-level networking. This was the RKCC “Business After Hours,” and it’s where the future of our local economy is being written.
RKCC members, Rockingham Nissan staff and Sponsors. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
From Vineyard to Venue
The night was a perfect synergy of two local powerhouses. On one side, you have Rockingham Nissan, a five-year National ELITE Dealer Excellence Award winner. Under Dealer Principal Ian David, they’ve turned car sales into a “Magic” experience. On the other, St Johns Wine, who live by the motto “from Vineyard to Venue.” Their Smeaton Way Cellar Door is a hidden gem in our city, proving that you don’t need to drive to Margaret River to get world-class, sustainable wine.
Sue Hasey RKCC CEO addressing Business After Hours event attendees. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
The Power of the Room
As the Editor of the Baldivis Times, I spend a lot of time behind the lens or the keyboard, but these events remind me that our community is built on handshakes. I spent the evening talking shop with industry leaders like David Hayes (Billy Stitch Distillery) and Ryan Wilson (Deep Elite Brewing), discussing how we can better highlight the craft industry in the region.
I also saw City of Rockingham CEO Michael Parker in attendance and was fortunate to speak to Deputy Mayor Robert Schmidt. Seeing the city’s leadership engaging directly with small business owners is vital for the transparency and growth we all want to see in Rockingham.
Golden Ticket winners. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
The Golden Ticket Frenzy
The atmosphere shifted from professional to “pure excitement” when the giveaway was announced. Five Golden Tickets were hidden throughout the dealership. While I spent my time looking under and through cars (and failing miserably!), the joy in the room as winners were announced was infectious. These prizes, ranging from premium window tinting to exclusive group tastings, weren’t just freebies; they were a showcase of the quality services available right here on our doorstep.
St Johns Wine featured in one of the giveaways at the Business After Hours event. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
The Takeaway
The Baldivis Times is more than a news page; we are a bridge. Events like this allow us to connect with the business owners who provide the jobs and the politicians who make the rules.
We left Nissan Rockingham with a pocket full of business cards and a heart full of stories. The “Overdrive” phase of this publication is in full swing, and it’s fueled by the incredible people we met last night.
Stay tuned, the stories we gathered last night are coming to your feed very soon.