Illawarra businesses have been showing how adversity can bring them closer together in recent months.
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One example of how businesses have been coming together to support each other during the COVID-19 has been happening at IICONIC Creative Studios in Unanderra.
It followed a lightbulb moment for IICONIC owner Diego Bian earlier this year when he had the idea to bringing together talented local speakers for a TEDX style showcase.
But when Wollongong and Shellharbour went into lockdown almost four months ago Mr Bian realised a live event was not going to be possible until 2022.
So he and the speakers he had already approached got their heads together and collaborated on an new idea to produce a series of videos on the theme of hope, to provide practical advice and tips to local businesses struggling through lockdown.
The series of short, insightful conversations are set around the theme of 'A Reunion with Hope' and are not only available for all to see on a website created by Mr Bian, the speakers have also been sharing them on their social media channels allowing the constructive messages spread far and wide.
They include Dr Neryl East, Danielle Dobson, Peter Merrett, Phil Preston, Steven Di Pietro and Thomas Preiss.
"We wanted to create something positive and come together to share practical tips to help local businesses to find hope," Mr Bian said.
"Everyone has shared their talents to make this project happen. We did our production for free. The speakers came in for free with the idea of really encouraging and giving everyone in the business community some inspiration.
"Since we launched it last weekend everyone has been hitting their channels with it and it has gained quite a bit of traction.
"Longer term, we'd love to create a real life event, where local audiences can hear from our talented speakers.
"We have so much talent here in the Illawarra, and a lot of people just don't know who we have here."
Mr Bian, Gabriel Rizza and Marina Bian started IICONIC studios as a creative hub for the business and entertainment community in the Illawarra 15 years ago. It has been providing services for corporate, national and international clients.
"We do video projects, campaign work or live streaming," he said.
"When COVID hit last year IICONIC and RAM productions we built a second studio to be a 100 per cent live stream, virtual studio called Livestreemer.TV.
"We ran more than 100 shows and programs last year ranging from entertainment to education."
Find out more about the project here.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
