Busy agenda for year’s first Chamber meeting

The February meeting of the Chamber of Commerce drew a strong attendance.

Being the first meeting of the year there was a lot to catch up on and the meeting was so busy with discussion that general business was rushed at the end.

Narrabri Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Delivery Darren Raeck addressed the meeting, speaking about the main street upgrades.

Mr Raeck also explained how the recent inundation had affected the bores and the subsequent dirty water issue.

He asked for input regarding giving the Maitland Street roundabouts the ‘wow’ factor. “What would give our roundabouts a point a difference? he asked. “Ideas are welcome”.

The Moree Special Activation Precinct, Telstra outage, the NBN and its lack of ports in the pit as well as drought funding were addressed.

The meeting, led by chairman Russell Stewart, sought to urge drought relief recipients to spend their beneficial payments on total debt reduction to ease business’ cash flow in the shire.

Medical concerns were raised by Lester Kelly regarding Narrabri people having to travel for health services.

The matter of Regional Development Australia losing 25 staff in the bush was addressed at length.

The meeting also discussed supporting the Wee Waa Chamber in its efforts at Yarrie Lake.

The Back to the ‘Bri event is looking to be held again on the October long weekend, maybe this year at the Narrabri Showground.

Warwick Moppett presented an update on STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – education and said it had good, healthy support locally.

Wanda Dunnet reported on information from The Courier archives giving the date of July 21, 1927 as the commencement of the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce.

The next meeting of the Chamber is set for March 10.

All interested people are urged to attend the Chamber meetings.

Since the very beginnings of the organisation it seems there have been struggles with membership and fragmentation.

Now, more than ever, the town business people need to unite to have a strong force representative of the community.

After all, everyone has the same goal – to keep Narrabri strong and a desirable place in which to live and carry on business.