CCCI Voltage Lodge Business Connections
Business Connections: Showcasing Collie’s Future Adventure Tourism Potential Through Voltage Lodge
Walkthrough
The Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recently hosted one of its largest Business Connections events at Voltage Lodge Collie, welcoming 65 local business representatives, community members and stakeholders for an exclusive first look at one of the region's newest tourism developments.
Hosted ahead of the lodge's anticipated opening in August 2026, the event showcased how investment in purpose-built visitor accommodation, adventure tourism and local partnerships is helping strengthen Collie's growing visitor economy.
As part of the Chamber's Business Connections program, attendees were invited behind the scenes to experience the transformation of Voltage Lodge and learn how projects like this contribute to regional economic growth by encouraging longer visitor stays, supporting local businesses and expanding Collie's tourism offering.
Event Highlights
Guests toured the newly renovated lodge, gaining insight into the vision behind the development and its role as a modern adventure base for visitors exploring the Collie region.
Purpose-built for adventure travellers, Voltage Lodge will accommodate up to 30 guests and features a mix of private and shared accommodation, communal kitchen and lounge facilities, secure bike storage, e-bike charging, bike wash facilities and spaces designed specifically for visitors enjoying Collie's internationally recognised trail network and outdoor experiences.
The walkthrough highlighted the significant transformation of the former Collie Co-op building into contemporary visitor accommodation while demonstrating how investment in tourism infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for the wider community.
Supporting Local Investment
Voltage Lodge owner Col Smout shared the journey of transforming the historic building into purpose-built adventure accommodation, outlining the substantial private investment, planning and collaboration required to bring the project to life.
The redevelopment has created opportunities for numerous local contractors, tradespeople, suppliers, consultants and service providers across construction, electrical, plumbing, glazing, cabinetry, excavation, signage, painting, flooring and furnishing.
Mr Smout acknowledged that the project's economic contribution extends well beyond the construction phase, with ongoing opportunities for local businesses through accommodation services, hospitality, visitor experiences, maintenance, retail, transport and tourism operations once the lodge opens.
Designed as a purpose-built lodge for visitors who come to Ride, Explore, Discover and Recharge, Voltage Lodge aims to provide a welcoming base for experiencing Collie’s growing network of trails, natural attractions and outdoor experiences.
Adventure Connections Continues to Invest
The evening also featured a presentation from Kym Gibson, founder of Adventure Connections and newly appointed Manager of Voltage Lodge.
Mrs Gibson shared insights into Collie's rapidly growing adventure tourism sector and the continued investment being made in guided experiences, equipment hire, trail transfers and visitor services throughout the Collie and Bunbury Geographe region.
She also introduced the upcoming Collie Trails Shop, which will complement Voltage Lodge by providing visitors with equipment hire, local knowledge, guided experiences and practical support, creating an integrated tourism offering that encourages visitors to stay longer and experience more of the region.
The presentation highlighted opportunities connected to mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and nature-based tourism, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between accommodation providers, tourism operators, local businesses and community organisations.
Celebrating Local Connections
The evening also celebrated the strong participation and support of local businesses through three prize draws.
Congratulations to Liam Shepherd, who won a lunch for two at Hackersley Estate, John Wallace who won a night's accommodation at Voltage Lodge and Scotty Scrimgeour from New Look Interiors, who received a marketing package from the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
CCCI thanks the businesses that generously contributed prizes and helped create another successful Business Connections event.
Click here to read the full media release.
Acknowledging Local Support
The Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges and thanks the Voltage Lodge team for their
commitment to supporting local businesses, trades, suppliers and contractors throughout the development of this
exciting regional project.
The transformation of Voltage Lodge has been made possible through the skills, dedication and expertise of local
businesses and industry partners, demonstrating the strength of Collie's business community and the important role
regional investment plays in creating opportunities.
Mr Smout also recognised the many local businesses and individuals who contributed to the redevelopment, including architect Greg Davies; building supervisors Scotty and Dee; Peter Griggs; Angus and Dave (plumbing); Scott Christinger, Lakeland and Harry (electrical); Josh, Richard and Aiden (gyprock installation); Jeff, Scott and Laura from Phoenix Glass; Brent Hughes from Hire Me Hughzie (civil works and excavation); Peter Hall and Kath from PaKit; Dave O’Brien from DC Contracting; Jo and Mark from Busy Bee Dry Cleaning; Ben Dell Bosca from Ambient Tiling;
Chris O’Malley from Allwood Cabinets; Lisa, Ben and Jared from Collie Floorworld; Mal from Betta Home & Electrical;
Tisha from Comfort Style Furniture; Donald Cook (painting); Darren from VonBibra Signs; and Scott Geere from
Taycon, who provided local compliance services.
Voltage Lodge also acknowledges the ongoing encouragement and support of the Shire of Collie throughout the
development process.
Mr Smout also acknowledged newly appointed Lodge Manager Kym Gibson of Adventure Connections, supported by
Kalon Gibson, for their contribution to preparing Voltage Lodge for its next stage.
CCCI also thanks the local businesses who supported the Business Connections event, including Tailor Grazing and
Barn-Zee’s Burgers for catering, Bloom and Brush for floral arrangements, James from Bylund Inspirations for the extra amazing photos and the many other local businesses whose contributions helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for attendees.
The collaboration behind Voltage Lodge reflects the strength, resilience and community spirit of Collie’s business sector, demonstrating the positive outcomes that can be achieved when local businesses, government and industry
work together to support regional growth.