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November General Meeting Minutes

Written by Executive on . Posted in Minutes.

General Meeting

8 November 2023
Held at Woodlands @ Harrington Grove

The meeting was opened at 6.30pm

Welcome & President’s Report – Anne Parnham, President

Anne welcomed everyone to the meeting including Life Member Tony Perich AM and his wife Cathy, members of Camden Council, Rory Muscat representing Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce.  Anne also welcomed all members, their guests and the panel of speakers for the meeting.

Anne thanked all the sponsors for being part of The Greater Narellan Business Chamber.

Anne noted:

  • that the Chamber is a not-for-profit organisation made up entirely of volunteers and there isn’t anyone standing to gain financially from being on the Board;
  • as President, Anne takes the conflict-of-interest part of the Constitution very seriously;
  • she introduced the members of the Board and asked them to stand so that members could recognise them if they have any matters to raise;
  • pamphlets on the tables advising what’s happening around the region.
  • the previous meetings Minutes are on the website, please see Secretary Lisa if you have any comments;
  • current financials were available on the tables, please see/contact Treasurer Karina if you have any queries/comments;
  • a lot of members do not have their business details on the Chamber’s website, please when you have a moment, go to the website and enter your details so other members can contact you.  
  • the Chamber has a Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn page that all members can join, especially the Members Only Facebook page where you can put items of interest for other members to see.’
  • After 5 networking for Octoberfest was held at the Merino Brewery in Narellan and was well attended;
  • another interest rate rise has occurred – do an overhaul of your business to check for unnecessary overheads and spending that could be minimised.  If you are not sure, contact your accountant to discuss your concerns.  It is best to be discussing your concerns rather than leaving them or ignoring them and hoping for the best;
  • The Western Sydney Regional Advisory Council met at Parramatta last week and there are so many concerns about the economy.  Also, one of the biggest things for SME’s is government procurement and the new processes to apply for jobs;
  • she has spoken to 2 very different sized small businesses with the same concerns.  Anne asked if anyone applies for government works?  The application process is so complicated and so time consuming that most SMEs don’t even bother.
  • attended a luncheon with the Minister of Trade and Manufacturing and Procurement and she said she was working on minimising the barriers to SME’s.

Apologies

Carla Upfill, Carrington Care
Daniel Fenech, Brick Studios
Aaron Fleming, NSW Reconstruction Authority
George Gatt, The Office Builders
Tim Bryan, Perich Group
Jim McGregor, Sydney Web + Tech

Membership Update – Sandra Bartlett, Membership Director

New member introductions:

  • PNP Constructions Pty Ltd
  • Tamlyn Creative

Member Spotlight Presentation

  • Geoff Neville of Emotional Healing Made Easy

Member Spotlight Draw for February 2024

  • Daniel Caldwell of GPL Partners

Member Facebook Draw:

  • Karen Taylor of Taylor’d Funerals

Member Shout Outs

  • Sandra Bartlett acknowledged Jason Haworth of The Mortgage Tree
  • Lisa Hamilton acknowledged Garth Lewis of Alpha IT
  • Kylie Lyons of Handprint Photography acknowledged Trevor of Inspire Energy
  • Karina Rauch of Kelly Partners acknowledged James Nguyen of Park & Hills

Sponsorship Update – Antonella Ianni, Sponsorship Director

Gold Sponsor                 Narellan Town Centre

Silver Sponsors               The Office Builders
                                       Kinetic Healthcare Pty Ltd

Bronze Sponsor              Macarthur Lady Funerals

What’s On – Roland Blackstone, Vice President

  • Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce – Wednesday, 15 November at Wests Leagues Leumeah
  • South West Sydney Tourism, early Christmas celebration – 17 November at Sydney Zoo
  • Picton Chamber of Commerce – 22 November at Worklife Picton
  • Racing for Prostate – 25 November at Club Menangle
  • Business NSW 23rd World Congress – 27-30 November at ICC Sydney
  • Macarthur Premiere of “Christmess” – 2 December at Campbelltown Arts Centre
  • Mental Health First Aid Standard Course presented by Sparkling Voices on 4-5 December at the BDC Smeaton Grange
  • Kids of Macarthur Christmas Gift Wrapping Station
  • Gledswood Homestead & Winery Rustic Christmas Celebration – 16 December

Details about the above What’s On are available on the Chambers website.

Panel Presentation

Karina Rauch introduced the panel for “Disaster Readiness & Resilience”

Stephen Urquhart – Rural Fire Service, Camden West

Veronica Macdonald – Lifeline Macarthur & Western Sydney

Aaron Fleming – NSW Reconstruction Authority
(presented by Roland Blackstone as Aaron as unable to attend)

Louis Matthews – Service NSW

Q&A

  • Tony Perich AM thanked the emergency services past and present, and Lifeline.  He spoke about the floods in Eugowra and Luddenham fires – Be Prepared
  • Rob Elliott of Lansdowne Property Group spoke about Lismore and supporting the towns, and asked how to support fellow business owners
    • Julie Lewis of Service NSW – ask them what do you need, how can I help
  • Lisa Hamilton asked how do we inform our community to listen
    • Steve Urquhart of RFS Camden West – Listen to the authorities, and see the local surrounds.  Listen and ask.  Look at the RFS website

Lucky Door Prize

Geoff Neville of Emotional Healing – Kinetic Healthcare gift

Steve Webb of Lifeline – Hamper Culture gift

Maddy Blackley of Kelly Partners – Hamper Culture gift

New Vision Co – Bottle of Red Wine

Closing Remarks – Anne Parnham

Anne thanked everyone for attending and to travel home safely. 

The next meeting is the Christmas Party on Friday, 8 December from 6pm at Gledswood Winery. 

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.45pm.