President reflects on successful year for Chamber of Commerce

Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce has experienced a successful year with its continued advocacy and events, including the business awards and Christmas street carnival.

Chamber president Russell Stewart reflected on the organisation’s triumphs at last week’s annual general meeting.

“Our Narrabri Chamber Whitehaven Coal 2023 Business Awards were yet again another huge success with all seats being sold out well prior to the event,” Mr Stewart said.

“We had to increase the table numbers by two and still had many on the cancellation wait list.

“This event was only possible due to the generous support of major sponsor Whitehaven Coal and our many platinum sponsors who continue to support the night.”

Mr Stewart said Whitehaven’s three-year agreement as major sponsors of the business awards had come to an end, with Santos to be major sponsors for the coming three years including the chamber’s centenary year.

Whitehaven will be recognised as a platinum sponsor of the awards night.

“Our business awards are recognised as the best of its kind and I have no doubt this will continue to be the case,” Mr Stewart said.

Mr Stewart also reflected on the successful Narrabri Chamber Whitehaven Coal Christmas Street Carnival.

He said last year’s carnival was bigger and better than ever, with an estimated attendance between 2500 and 3000 people.

“These sorts of attendances are real testimony to the popularity of the event and make it the largest single day event in the shire,” he said.

“The introduction of the carnival rides has proven to be a big winner with young families.

“Narrabri Shire Council generously shared some of its acquired government grant funds which allowed the introduction of some new and popular attractions as well as much of the running costs. The carnival would most certainly have been a lesser event without this fantastic assistance.”

Mr Stewart said the carnival is preceded by the installation of the chamber Christmas tree near the post office.

“Of course this wonderful display is only possible due to the ongoing commitment and hard work by Jenny Gale and her family and friends,” he said.

Mr Stewart also acknowledged the working relationship with council and general manager Rob Williams.

“We are looking forward to resuming the close relationship of the past,” he said.

“This is critical to a healthy future of Narrabri and District.”

Mr Stewart also spruiked the chamber’s relationship with the Planning NSW team in relation to the Narrabri Special Activation Precinct as well as ongoing engagement with other government agencies and organisations.

He also made mention of the Yarrie Lake test bore project and chamber’s long-running involvement with the project.

“When complete, this much-needed bore will have the ability to extend the ski season, bringing in many more visitors to our shire,” he said.

“Narrabri is just about to experience a ‘perfect storm’ of growth and investment. It has never been more critical that we keep on the front foot with the ‘state of play’ and not allow others to do our listening and talking.

“Your chamber still continues to be run entirely by volunteers. It remains the aim of your chamber to invest heavily in the local community for the benefit of all.”

Mr Stewart said the chamber had experienced enormous growth in membership in the past year. At the meeting, long-standing chamber member Tony Longworth officiated as presiding officer for the election of office bearers.

Mr Stewart was re-elected to the position of president along with Cheryl Pawley as vice president. The chamber has welcomed incoming secretary Lisa Smith.

Mr Stewart made special mention of outgoing secretary Sheryl Ridley who stepped down from the position after years of dedication to the chamber.

“I have worked side by side with Sheryl for more than 20 years,” he said.

“Fortunately she won’t be leaving us entirely as she has agreed to stay on board to assist who ever fills her big shoes.”

The treasurer’s role will be shared by the president and deputy president until the position is filled.

The memberships director position will be shared between Mr Stewart and Lisa Smith. As secretary, Lisa Smith will also be the public officer. Committee members elected on the night were Louise Stewart, Ian Duffey, Lester Kelly, Dylan Smith, Jamie Condon and Matt Bullock.

Chamber meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month, however, the venue will change to the Narrabri RSL. Mr Stewart thanked the Community College for allowing the use of its meeting rooms.