Daniel Kahl guest speaker at chamber meeting

The Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on November 14.

The meeting, chaired by president Russell Stewart was well attended.

Guest speaker was Daniel Kahl from Namoi Water who spoke about the Water Buy Back Scheme and the possible implications for the district.

While Daniel stated that the organisation wasn’t opposed to water recovery, he said there has to be a balance and responsible actions by willing sellers.

In a town like Wee Waa if the buy back goes ahead as planned, $10 million would be removed from the economy.

Daniel spoke of the hard work being done in this area and the commitment to the community by the organisation was obvious.

The meeting heard from Lester Kelly from the Yarrie Lake Trust that the project is nearing completion.

Mr Kelly advised that the trust is applying for a grant for an amenities block.

Attendees from the CBA also spoke on the restrictions on banking hours and said that although the bank’s hours were reduced there is a guarantee that there will be no closures of regional branches until the end of 2026.

Steve Volk, Narrabri branch manager Rachel Perrett and Mel Bramley all spoke about the bank’s desire to grow in regional Australia.

Jabin De Keizer, community relations manager at Whitehaven Coal, told of how the Little Wings organisation which assists children from birth to 18 years is being partnered with Whitehaven Coal to bringing its medical wings program to Narrabri and Gunnedah.

The meeting finished with a reminder that the Chamber’s Christmas Carnival will be held in Maitland Street on Friday, December 15.

Everyone is welcome to attend the next meeting on December 12 which will be the final meeting for the year and include refreshments and Christmas cheer.