Chamber continues to advocate for community, president says

Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce has continued to advocate for the community’s best interests, re-elected president Russell Stewart outlined in his report to the organisation’s annual general meeting.

Mr Stewart remains at the helm of the chamber following last Tuesday night’s meeting, with Cheryl Pawley re-elected to vice president, Sheryl Ridley as secretary and Louise Gett as treasurer.

The chamber president presented a detailed report to the meeting, telling members the shire was on the cusp of economic growth rarely seen by a regional centre.

“Narrabri has been identified as one of the top three growth centres in NSW. This is a clear indication of things to come,” Mr Stewart said.

“I strongly encourage all local business to get on the front foot, pick up the baton and sell your services whenever and wherever you can.

“Your chamber will be here to support where we can.”

Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Stewart said 2020 started with the toughest drought on record continiuing followed by the shutdowns that ensued once the COVID-19 pandemic started to wreak havoc on Australia and the rest of the world.

“Although our region was not directly affected by COVID-19 to the degree of our cities, the spin-off has been very significant,” he told the meeting.

“Fortunately, the fantastic diversity of our area with its well-developed resources industry was somewhat saved by the guarantee of 260 full-time well-paid jobs with a wage bill of $35.7m in our Narrabri LGA and a further procurement spend by Whitehaven Coal of $55.7m.

“Narrabri Shire Council also received on the community’s behalf $1.5m in voluntary payments and rates. These payments, although not the total answer, provided much- needed oxygen while the drought had us under its grip.”

However, good news was to come as the year progressed.

Mr Stewart said the best possible news for the region was the reversal of the long-term weather pattern.

“The arrival of much-needed and prayed for rain saw not only new life in the paddocks but new life in the faces of our farmers, businesses and the wider community,” he said.

“Our world-leading farmers took immediate advantage and produced record wheat and other supporting crops. Local business reports a corresponding welcome increase in local expenditure.”

He said the good news continued to come later in the year when Santos’ Narrabri gas project was approved by the Independent Planning Commission.

“The approval of this critical project has already seen an immediate increase in demand for real estate both residential and industrial,” Mr Stewart said.

While COVID curtailed some of the chamber’s biggest activities, including the annual Business Awards, Back to the Bri and Christmas Street Carnival, the organisation ensured it kept active throughout the year.

“With thanks to Jenny Gale and her dedicated team, chamber was again able to erect our giant Christmas tree and play carols in Maitland Street for the benefit of the entire community,” Mr Stewart said.

After successfully building a good relationship with Hunter New England Health chief executive officer Michael DiRienzo when the chamber set out to raise money for an ultrasound unit, the organisation used its connection to Mr DiRienzo to advocate for chemotherapy chairs at Narrabri Hospital.

“While I have been asked the question ‘what has health got to do with chamber?’ my answer is always the same … unless Narrabri has a quality health service and education system we simply cannot achieve healthy growth,” Mr Stewart said.

“Whenever I am contacted by prospective investors in our region, outside of the usual economic questions, I invariably get asked what our medical and education systems are like.

“These services are the foundation of any regional community.”

This year promises to be less COVID-affected for the chamber as it hopes to hold its Business Awards and the Christmas Street Carnival.