Return of awards night celebrates Narrabri business success

A sold-out gala dinner marked the successful return of the Whitehaven Coal Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Businesses across the broad spectrum of sectors and industries were represented at Saturday’s celebration evening at The Crossing Theatre.

Local businesses were applauded by the audience and recognised for their service to the community, their innovation and enterprise.

The evening marked the 16th Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce-hosted event, however, chamber president Russell Stewart said the awards night would have reached its 18th anniversary in 2022 had it not been for two COVID-disrupted years.

Mr Stewart was among the evening’s speakers between the presentation of awards and spoke of the chamber’s continued advocacy for Narrabri. The chamber’s recent achievements were also highlighted to the crowd of 330 dinner-goers.

“Your chamber has continued to work for the community,” chamber president Russell Stewart told the gathering.

“We rely on the work of our volunteers and the generosity of our businesses,” he said of chamber’s continued successes.

“The highly subsidised ticket prices come from the support of our generous sponsors.”

Mr Stewart highlighted the chamber’s work in forming strong relationships with ARTC/Inland Rail and NSW Planning.

He said a highlight of chamber’s regular activities is the Christmas street carnival.

“The centrepiece of this is the Christmas tree,” he said.

Chamber has also run candidate forums for the recent council and federal elections, and Mr Stewart indicated the organisation will do the same for next year’s NSW state election.

Other recent successes include securing $450,000 for enhancements to Yarrie Lake, including a test bore in the hope of being able to replenish the lake in times of drought, fundraising for an ultrasound machine at Narrabri Hospital as well as advocating for and securing chemotherapy facilities at the hospital.

“To grow a health community, we need to have a quality health system,” Mr Stewart said.

Guest-of-honour at Saturday night’s gala dinner, NSW Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope, acknowledged the work of the Narrabri chamber in facilitating the awards night.

“Everywhere I go where there are strong chambers of commerce, there are strong communities,” he said.

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler, who was also among the officials attending the awards night, provided a brief overview of the electorate before speaking positively about the future ahead for regional NSW.

While there were challenges ahead, Mr Butler said an increased season and huge infrastructure spend in regional areas gave regional NSW a positive outlook.

Between the formal presentation of trophies and speeches from officials, guests were treated to the comedy performances by the night’s master-of-ceremonies Kat Davidson.

The Courier is publishing a feature on businesses honoured at the awards dinner on Thursday, September 15. Click here to see all of the award winners and runners-up.