Industrial network looks ahead to year of opportunities

The Narrabri Industrial Network is looking ahead to a year of many opportunities following a successful 12 months.

Office bearers were elected at the group’s recent annual general meeting.

President Justin Smith, who was re-elected to the position, reflected on their successes in the past year.

Among Mr Smith’s highlights was the recent NIN black-tie gala dinner at The Crossing Theatre.

The network partnered with the Rotaract Club of Narrabri, which was the benefactor of the evening.

Mr Smith said the group had also held good meetings with Inland Rail contractors.

“We’ve had good discussions with key stakeholders of Inland Rail,” he said.

Mr Smith said planning had started on the group’s Namoi Jobs and Trade Show, in partnership with Future EDU and Narrabri Shire Council.

“We’ve also taken on our business development manager, Kodey Stanford, in a full-time capacity,” he said.

Ms Stanford previously worked with the network in a part-time capacity, and her involvement has assisted with the network’s ongoing growth.

Mr Smith was optimistic the group would continue to grow with more involvement by Ms Stanford.

“Our membership growth is healthy,” Mr Smith said.

Before the trade show, Mr Smith said the network would host another event before starting a schedule of regular events.

“We will try to have the gala event in May, trade show in September and have events in between.

“One of our biggest goals in the next year is to capture the agriculture industry.

“The agriculture industry is an extremely important part of what we do.”

Also among the network’s plans for the next year is to establish an office space for Ms Stanford.

“We also want to align with existing groups,” Mr Smith said.

Other office bearers for the next 12 months include Jack Campbell, who was re-elected as vice president, Karly Smith as secretary, Stewart Todd as treasurer and committee members Will Childs, Nick McClure and Will Guest.