May General Meeting Minutes
General Meeting
14 May 2025
Held at Lakeside Golf Club, Camden
The meeting was opened at 6.30pm
Welcome & President’s Report – Roland Blackstone, President
Roland welcomed everyone to the meeting including Life Member Tony Perich AM and Cathy Perich, Life Member Adriana Care, Guest Speaker Rik Rushton, President of Wollondilly Business Chamber Pania Gregson. He also welcomed all members, and guests to the meeting.
Roland spoke about current happenings around the Macarthur Region. Also that the Federal Election has occurred and Australia has the same Prime Minister and new Opposition Leader.
Apologies
Jason Haworth – Director Sponsorship (The Mortgage Tree)
Nicole Street, Camden Council
Mart Tutt, Carrington Care
Dimitri Droulias, Club Menangle
Joshua Phipps, Fusion Shutters & Blinds
Membership Update – Tony Bonanno, Director Membership
New member introductions:
- Bernie Lewis Home Loans
Membership Challenge – welcomed visitors Gilda Perez of CG Real Estate Specialists, and Melissa Daniels of Perfect Picture property (introduced by Rob and Rachel Elliott).
This challenge has been introduced – How do we get more people, growth plan. 5 tickets per meeting will be issued by Tony for you to bring a guest.
Sponsorship Update – Roland Blackstone
Roland presented 3 sponsors with their thank you gift as they were unable to attend the recent function:
- Wests Group Macarthur – Silver
- 4K Automotive – Bronze
- Brick Studios – InKind
Roland also promoted the new sponsorship packages available for 2025-2026. For more information contact Jason at sponsorship@narellanchamber.com.au, or Wendy at admin@narellanchamber.com.au
Silver Sponsor Gregory Hills Hotel
Bronze Sponsor 4K Automotive
InKind Sponsors Brick Studios
Tony Wolf & Son Quality Printers/Print Sign & Design Hub
Tony Bonanno interviewed 3 current sponsors about why they sponsor the Chamber and what’s the benefits to them – Byron Clima of Sydney Drafting Concepts & Design, George Gatt of The Office Builders, and Carla Upfill of Carrington Care.
What’s On – Rachel Elliott, Director Events
- 19-30 May Marsdens Law Group – Wills Week
- 22 May Youth Solutions Movie Night
- 23 May Odyssey House Women’s Lunch
- 21 June Lifeline Masquerade Gala
- 26 July Youth Solutions Jingle in July Gala Event
Networking Break
Speaker Presentation
Rik Rushton presented “The Power of Human Connection – Authentic Relationships and Meaningful Conversation”
For a copy of Ric’s slides from his presentation, please contact Wendy at admin@narellanchamer.com.au
Q&A session
- Rob Elliott – How do you take tonight’s presentation with the cultures, beliefs, etc of now
- Why now, what’s important, how soon
- Rowan Gregson – If you change the phone message, when?
- Tonight before I go to bed
- Ganesh Bhomick – Mindful listening, how do I stay listening
- Listen to the next client like they are someone you love, lean in and clarify on the way through the conversation
Lucky Door Prize
Kimberley Etherington (Marsdens Law Group) – Gift from Brick Studios
Rodney Von Clark (Flagstaff Group) – Gift from Gregory Hills Hotel
Jose Ramirez (SipTel) – Gift from Print Sign & Design Hub
Gilda Perez (CG Real Estate Specialists) – Gift from 4K Automotive
Closing Remarks – Roland Blackstone
Roland thanked everyone for attending and especially guest speaker Rik Rushton.
Thank you to all the sponsors and the InKind Sponsors.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 11 June at Lakeside Golf Club Camden with guest speaker Gemma Acton “Economic Robustness”. This will be followed by Christmas In July Networking Night in July.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.40pm.