Annual General Meeting Minutes
Annual General Meeting
14 September 2022
Held at Woodlands Harrington Grove
The meeting was opened at 6.38pm.
Welcome and Outgoing Presidents Report – Steve Moore, President
Steve welcomed everyone to the AGM and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land. He acknowledged the special guests – Life Members Tony Perich AM and Kathy Perich, and Ian Wolf, and Immediate Past President Shaun Pereira, and the guest speaker Karen McClean, Alliances Manager at Business NSW.
Steve acknowledged the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and a minutes silence was held.
Steve spoke of insights into the Chamber’s year – some noteworthy achievements along with a few tough decisions which for the most part put the Chamber in a strong position to move forward and continue to support the members.
In October 2021 the previous AGM was held online as we gingerly came out of lockdowns at the time and at the time things progressed quickly for businesses in the lead up to Christmas. Things were looking positive across so many businesses for a fruitful end to the year as demand in all sectors increased dramatically as COVID restrictions were repealed.
At the Executive Board’s planning day in November, a multi-year strategic plan was constructed, identifying key objectives the Executive wanted to work toward over the next 3 years, and Steve was pleased to report the Executive have managed to tick off all the goals set for this year.
The first objective was to make changes to the Constitution to ensure the stability and continuity of the Board. At February’s EGM the membership passed the special resolution to transition from a Board where all positions are annually declared vacant to a more conventional corporate structure where 2-year terms now exist with half the Board being elected on an alternating basis. This new structure enables the multi-year planning of the Board and facilitates continuous improvement processes with established Directors.
The first year of the rotation is put into practice at this AGM. Following the EGM, the first of 4 flooding events hit the region. These devastating natural disasters impacted so many local businesses and deflated much of the momentum built up through the festive period. In response to the flooding events, Chamber commends the action of Camden Council in providing ongoing support to affected businesses. The State and Federal Governments have also been supportive with funding relief offered in time to assist both businesses and residents.
The relationship of the Chamber with the 3 levels of Government along with Business NSW has been another key focus of the year.
Whilst the Chamber remains an apolitical entity, significant strides have been made in developing these relationships to advocate on behalf of local businesses. Regular communication between Steve and the Governments has enabled the ongoing flow of feedback of issues affected the members to the relevant representatives. A Federal Election was held earlier in the yar where the Chamber was able to offer members access to all Candidates prior to polling day. With a State Election on the horizon for 2023, the Executive plan to do the same and enable members access to candidates to make an informed decision on representation in the best interest of their businesses and families.
Steve spoke of the gains he has been proud to advance with Camden Council, where a true partnership is being formed in pursuing the development of local businesses. The Chamber has been invited to participate as a key stakeholder in the development of several strategies and planning proposals as a result of the ongoing advocacy work.
Steve recently attended a Local Government and Chamber Summit facilitated by Business NSW where considerable steps were made as a collective of representatives from across the State to establish best practice principles in the collaboration of Local Government and business.
Steve thanked Camden Council Mayor Therese Fedeli and Economy & Place Managers Hayley Neville and Vi Girgis for their ongoing support. He also mentioned and congratulated General Manager Ron Moore on his upcoming retirement and the Chamber wishes him well for the future after a significant contribution to the local community.
For Business NSW, Steve has been participating in a regular schedule of forums consisting of monthly Western Sydney Advisory Council meetings, along with quarterly State Council meetings. These meetings form an important pathway of group advocacy toward State and Federal Governments where Steve consistently advocates the needs of Narellan business. On a local level, Steve attended month policy and advocacy sessions throughout the year with other Chamber leaders. The benefits available to Chamber members through the Business NSW Alliance Program are significant.
The Executive had hoped this past year would see the return of 2 flagship events – the Premier’s Breakfast, and Christmas in Narellan.
Whilst the Premier’s Breakfast did go ahead it was unfortunately Premier-less due to a late change in availability. The Chamber and guests did hear from Damien Tudehope MLC on the day and co-ordinate 15 local schools, representatives from Camden, Wollondilly and Campbelltown LGAs. Thank you to Peter Sidgreaves and his office for their assistance in organising the event.
Christmas in Narellan was launched earlier this year with a dedicated Committee working in conjunction with Humm Events to run the vent after consecutive COVID cancellations. On behalf of the entire Chamber and Executive, Steve commended the dedication and professionalism of the CIN Committee. The volunteers, along with Humm Events, were determined to get this event live again this year, however, it was unfortunately not to be. The considerable increase in operating costs for the event from vendors resulted in a significant budget shortfall that could not be bridged for the event to go ahead.
The CIN Committee made the recommendation to the Executive earlier in September that the event could not go ahead. Following consultation with the Narellan Town Centre Board, the Chamber Executive made the difficult decision to cancel the event for 2022 and dissolve the organising committee. Future opportunities for this event will be examined in conjunction with Camden Council in the coming months.
The key objective that was identified at the Executives planning day this year was to deliver more value to the members.
This has become increasingly difficult through the restrictions of our face-to-face events over recent years, along with the change in how many businesses function. The main target over the next 3 years is to be in a financial position to have a full time Chamber employee at the disposal of our members to assist across a number of areas in providing support. The Executive see this as a considerable evolution of the Chamber in supporting members, signalling a growth in maturity of the Chamber similar to other Chambers across Sydney. In the Treasurers Report, Karina was able to articulate that the Chamber has been able to take a significant step forward in realising this position.
Whilst the Chamber has made progress in the funding required to deliver this resource in the coming years, the Executive are still focused on the need to deliver short term value. It is evident that monthly meetings can no longer be the sole sources of this value in generating and maintaining member engagement. In the coming year, the Executive are planning an extensive consultation process with members to adapt to their changing needs and operations post pandemic to determine how much the Executive and Chamber can best serve the members and consistently deliver value against the membership fees.
The Executive is looking forward to this process and continually tailoring offering to meet the members needs.
Apologies
Peter Sidgreaves, NSW Member for Camden
Arnold Vitocco, D Vitocco Constructions Pty Ltd
Tony Estephan, Bringelly Nursery and Water Gardens
Roland Blackstone, Secretary
Amy Woodley, Start Fresh Accounting
Scott Wakeling, Wakeling Automotive
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Returning Officer, Anne Parnham welcomed members and advised how the process for the AGM would be conducted. Anne also congratulated the outgoing Board on a successful year.
Acceptance of 2021 AGM Minutes
Treasurer Karina Rauch on behalf of Secretary Roland Blackstone asked for someone to move that the Minutes of the 2021 AGM be accepted. Moved by Sandra Bartlett, seconded by Upfill and accepted.
2022 Financial Year Financial Report
Treasurer, Karina Rauch, presented the audited accounts for the 2022 financial year. She thanked John Dickie & Co for their co-operation in getting the audit completed for the AGM and advised they were a true and accurate record. The Report was moved by Jean Alim, seconded by Josephine Byrnes-Luna and accepted.
Election of Board of Directors
Anne declared the following positions vacant as per the Constitution. Nominations were called, and received for all roles as follows:
- Vice President – Josephine Byrnes-Luna
- Treasurer – Karina Rauch
- Membership Director – Sandra Bartlett
- Sponsorship Director – Alison Attard and Kelly Stanford
- Marketing Director – Daniel Fenech
As the role of Sponsorship Director had 2 nominations, both nominees were availed 1 minute to address the meeting attendees. A vote was then held and resulted in Alison Attard 18 votes, and Kelly Stanford 19 votes and 1 disqualified vote as it was note completed correctly. Kelly Stanford was successfully elected Membership Director.
As only one nomination was received for all other positions, Anne declared that all these positions have been filled.
The 2022-2023 Executive Board is:
- President – Steve Moore
- Vice President – Josephine Byrnes-Luna
- Treasurer – Karina Rauch
- Secretary – Roland Blackstone
- Membership Director – Sandra Bartlett
- Events Director – casual vacancy
- Sponsorship Director – Kelly Stanford
- Governance Director – Jean Alim
- Marketing Director – Daniel Fenech
- Meeting Director – Carla Upfill
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Steve thanked Anne for being the Returning Officer. Steve also presented Anne with a gift from the Chamber to recognise her retirement after over 40 years in business in the local area.
Steve recognised the contributions of several Directors who are stepping off the Board – Nicole Cusack (Sponsorship) and Brad Martino (Events). As Brad’s role as Events Director runs through to the 2023 AGM this position becomes a casual vacancy which the Board will address at its upcoming meeting.
Membership Update – Sandra Bartlett, Membership Director
Currently a membership of 166 – 131 financial,5 life members, 26 sponsors and contra sponsors, 5 new members and 8 waiting to renew.
New member introductions – Shine On, Inglis Property Macarthur, Logistix.au, Performance Personal Training.
Member Spotlight promo draw for October 2022 general meeting – Steve Grabowski of GFP.
Members Facebook promo draw for October 2022 – Harry Voutos of AEI Insurance Broking Group
Member Shoutout – Steve Grabowski of GFP thanked Anne Parnham, formerly of Campbelltown Lighting Centre. Ian Wolf of Tony Wolf & Son Quality Printers thanked Joshua Phipps of Fusion Shutters and Blinds.
Sandy also reminded members to keep an eye on their Inbox as lots of members are renewing in September.
What’s On – Carla Upfill, Meetings Director
Carla advised the following upcoming events:
- Macarthur and Southern Highlands Retirement Village & Resort Expo – Sun 18 & Mon 19 September
- Provisional Rotaract Club of Macarthur Information Night – 20 September 7pm at Campbelltown RSL
- Campbelltown Chamber meeting – Wednesday, 21 September 6pm at Club Menangle Trackside
- Lifeline Macarthur Colour Run for Mental Health – Friday, 7 October 2pm at Birriwa Reserve Oval, Mount Annan
- Camden Wedding Expo – Sunday, 16 October from 10am at Camden Civic Centre
- Youth Solution Trivia Night – Friday, 21 October from 6.30pm at Oran Park Library
- Disability Macarthur Charity Golf Day – 7th November
- Combined Narellan and Campbelltown Chambers of Commerce Christmas Party on 16 December 2022 at Ottimo House
Sponsor Presentations – Nicole Cusack, Sponsorship Director
- Silver – Gregory Hills Hotel
- Silver – Kelly Partners Chartered Accountants
- Bronze – Guardian Funerals
- Bronze – Hamper Culture Gifting Studio
Speaker Presentation
Cara introduced the guest speaker – Karen McLean, Alliance Manager, Business NSW.
- Uniting the Chamber movement in the Sydney Metro
- How we all work together:
- A brief history of Business NSW
- Current Advocacy Agenda
- Back on track and supporting apprenticeships through COVID
- NSW Government& Commonwealth Pre-budget submission
- Quarterly Business Conditions Survey & Workforce Skills Survey
- Locally – Workforce shortages, housing affordability, Great Western Highway, drought, inland rail.
- Our Local Chamber network – 220 Chambers of Commerce across NSW
- Why Alliances are important
- What is the Local Chamber Alliance Program
- The objectives and the benefits of the program
- Member Benefits – Workplace Advice Line, Commercial Legal advice, Webinars, Business Awards program, Savings with your energy, My Business.
Lucky Door Prize
Hamper Culture Hamper – Garth Lewis of Alpha IT
Gregory Hills Hotel Gift Vouchers – Renee Garcia of Flushed Eco, and Pania Gregson of Pestgo
Gregory Hills Hotel Wine – Peta Borg of Hamper Culture, and Kylie of Coutts Solicitors & Conveyancers
Guardian Funerals – Jeanne Griffiths of Shine On, and Cassandra Button of Sprouts Consultancy.
Closing Remarks – Steve Moore
Steve thanked everyone attending and supporting the AGM, the sponsors for their support and again congratulations to the incoming Executive Board.
The next general meeting will be on October 12th at Camden Valley Inn and is Mental Health in the Workplace Summit.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.20pm.