Chamber’s successful year reviewed

Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart reviewed a successful year for the chamber in his annual report presented to last week’s annual general meeting.

The annual general meeting drew an attendance of 33. Mr Stewart was returned to office for a sixth term and other executive members, Sheryl Ridley (secretary), Louise Gett (treasurer) and Cheryl Pawley (vice-president) were also returned unopposed.

Mr Stewart highlighted the diversity of the Narrabri economy and its achievements in ‘the most challenging year in living memory.’

Drought has seen the demise of a number of local, quality businesses” he said in his annual report.

However, the diversity of the economy helped Narrabri ‘outperform most similar regional centres.’

He cited the example of Whitehaven Coal’s injection of money into the local community and economy with creation of jobs and employment of services providers.

The Whitehaven Chamber of Commerce Narrabri Business Awards were a highlight of the year, Mr Stewart said.

“Our 2019 Business Awards were yet again an outstanding success. The Business of the Year, Specialised Civil Services, was a popular and deserving overall winner.”

“The Deputy Premier and awards guest John Barilaro described our Awards as ‘the best he has seen.’

“Plans are already well underway for our 2020 Business Awards on September 5.

“I have been able to secure the same sponsors for this year’s event with Whitehaven Coal remaining the major sponsor. I am currently in negotiation with some new possible sponsors as well.

“Last year saw the first Narrabri Chamber of Commerce ‘Back to The Bri Festival.’

“This was a huge undertaking which required a mountain of work by the small and highly potent committee. This wonderful event simply would not have happened without their commitment and dedication. I cannot thank them enough.

“What a pleasure to work with such a committed bunch. Back to the Bri would also not have been possible without yet more generous financial backing from our great partners Whitehaven Coal.

“Our Narrabri Chamber Back to The Bri Festival was the recipient of 2019 /20 Narrabri Shire Australia Day Event of The Year. This is wonderful news and just recognition for the Festival Committee.

“We are hoping to run the event in October again this year.

Our large investment in the Narrabri Chamber Christmas Tree continues to be appreciated by our community.

“A huge thanks must go to Jenny Gale and her dedicated team of helpers who never fail to ensure that our tree is in place and looking fantastic every year.

“Purchase of a suitable device by the chamber allowed Christmas music to play in Maitland Street in the weeks prior to Christmas day. This added to the atmosphere and was appreciated by all.

“In mid 2019 I was alerted to the fact that Narrabri Hospital did not have a suitable Ultrasound machine. This came as somewhat of a shock to me and others I spoke to.

“On behalf of the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce and members I immediately set about investigating and raising the funds to purchase the identified unit. Due to the usual fantastic generosity of the local community and Whitehaven Coal we were able to purchase a state of the art unit which is now housed at Narrabri for the benefit of our wonderful community,” Mr Stewart said.

“I continue to represent the chamber at the CSG Community Consultative Committee meetings which provide our chamber a voice in this very important forum.

“As independent chair of the Narrabri Coal CCC I am able represent our members at this important forum, and I also represent our chamber as an elected member of the Narrabri to Narromine Inland Rail CCC. This is extremely important as a voice, and timely up to date information is critical,” Mr Stewart said.

“Narrabri’s future continues to be bright and will continue to be the bench mark for other regional centres.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”