General News
4 December, 2025
Entrepreneurs signal potential growth
SOUTH west Victoria is experiencing a wave of creative energy, and women are helping drive it forward.
Dixie’s Caitlin Wurlod of Keayang Maar Vineyard joins Cudgee’s Shelley Knoll-Miller (The Facepainters South West) and Warrnambool’s Annie Johnstone (Vida Events) and Sarah Freeman (Snapping Shrimp Studio) as four regional entrepreneurs who have completed the RMIT Activator program for creative arts, tourism and events in the Great Ocean Road region.
The program signals a new chapter of female-led growth in events, design and visitor experiences.
The four business owners emphasise their work builds on this strong foundation adding momentum to a creative community that has been growing for years.
“This cohort shows the economic and cultural impact that happens when regional female entrepreneurs receive real backing and strategic support,” RMIT Activators Rahul Soans said.
“They are not only building sustainable businesses – they are shaping the future identity of the south west.”
All four entrepreneurs describe the RMIT Activator Program, funded by Global Power Generation’s Berrybank Windfarm, as a key factor in strengthening their direction and potential.
Keayang Maar Vineyard is among the businesses helping to drive new opportunities in the region.
A former multigenerational dairy farm now transformed into a volcanic winery, the vineyard now regularly hosts sought-after events including workshops, wine experiences and community gatherings and weddings centred on connection.
“It helped us return to wine not just as a product but as a way to create connection and belonging in our region,” Mrs Wurlod.
“There’s a genuine energy here right now.
“We have incredible creative organisations, venues and individuals setting the tone for the region.
“We’re proud to be building on that and helping invite even more people into the story of the south west.”
The Facepainters South West launched in 2023 by Ms Knoll-Miller and, now supporting a team of seven artists, the business has made high-quality face painting accessible for festivals, community events and celebrations in the region.
“The program helped me define my business purpose and map out a plan for where I want to go,” Ms Knoll-Miller said.
Vida Events has activated the front space of the Warrnambool Club, turning it into a buzzing venue for celebrations, creative events and industry networking, including a recent gathering of more than 20 local wedding vendors.
“It gave me confidence and introduced me to the idea of collaboration over competition, where businesses with similar audiences lift each other up,” Ms Johnstone said.
Snapping Shrimp Studio is a new creative agency launched by marketing strategist Sarah Freeman and her designer husband, helping businesses bring their ideas to life through strategic storytelling and visual design.
“It’s been essential for shaping the way we move forward as a new business,” Mrs Freeman said.
The four graduates plan to continue collaborating on future regional projects across events, tourism and creative enterprise.
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