Chamber of Commerce proud to host 17th business awards

Narrabri businesses have again been placed in the spotlight, rewarded and applauded by the community at the Santos-sponsored Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The highlight of the annual promotion of Narrabri enterprises, large and small, was the 17th awards presentation dinner staged by the chamber.

The big event again lived up to its reputation as a premier occasion on the community calendar.

A capacity audience of 300 people was present at The Crossing Theatre to recognise the achievements of our local businesses.

Enthusiasm was again high as guests took their seats.

The number of nominations received demonstrated the continued interest in the chamber initiative.

The staging of the business awards is a major undertaking by the chamber, the product of much organisation, planning, securing of sponsorship support, and engagement of a guest speaker, all within a tight budget.

The awards event is underwritten by generous local sponsors which allows subsidised ticket sales.

This year comedian Lindsay Webb was the official guest and MC.

Chamber president Russell Stewart highlighted the history of the chamber as well as its continued advocacy role when he welcomed guests to the dinner.

The chamber has enjoyed continuous operation for almost 100 years.

“Narrabri chamber is your business chamber,” Mr Stewart told the awards dinner gathering.

“We’ve been around for 97 years unbroken.

“That’s a testament to the volunteers in the region.

“Everything chamber does is voluntary. Every cent we get we pour back into the community.”

Mr Stewart said the chamber plans to keep growing in the future.

“It is such a pleasure to represent the quality of the people inside the chamber,” he said.

“We take our role seriously.”

Mr Stewart said the highly subsidised tickets for the night, and the outstanding yearly event, are only possible due to the continued generosity and commitment of the fantastic member sponsors.

This year, Santos is the naming rights sponsor of the event following Whitehaven Coal’s previous three-year role as the major sponsor.

Mr Stewart paid tribute to both companies for their support of the awards as well as support of the chamber.