2026 AGM President's Report
Prepared by Tammie Clark
I am pleased to present the President’s Report for the 2025-2026 financial year.
The Liverpool Plains Business Chamber has had another productive year, and I am proud of what we achieved in supporting local businesses, promoting the region, and strengthening our business community.
Membership
The Chamber finished the year with 88 members, welcoming 16 new members throughout the year.
The Chamber understands the challenges and financial pressures involved in running a business and remains committed to supporting members wherever possible.
We recognised three businesses for their longstanding contribution to the community and farewelled two local businesses that ceased trading, including the Quirindi Advocate, which served Quirindi and surrounding areas for nearly 101 years and maintained a strong connection with the Chamber.
These milestones highlight the importance of backing established businesses, welcoming new enterprises, and encouraging our community to shop locally.
Events and Networking
The Chamber delivered a varied events program, including eight BIZConnect networking events, a Small Business Month Breakfast Workshop with The Plains Inc., the annual Christmas Get Together, the Community Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene lighting with Liverpool Plains Shire Council, the International Women’s High Tea, and two National Volunteer Week activities with Council.
In February 2026, it was announced that Club Quirindi will host the 2026 New England North West Business Awards on Friday, 25 September 2026. This marks the first time Quirindi will host the awards and presents a valuable opportunity for the region. I encourage all members to submit nominations and entries, so our community is strongly represented at this important event.
In November 2025, the Committee decided to move from monthly to bimonthly meetings starting February 2026, with BIZConnect events scheduled in alternate months. This change provides a better balance between Chamber business and member networking.
Shop Locally Vouchers
The Shop Locally Voucher Program continues to directly support local businesses.
In 2025-2026, the program issued 654 vouchers, a 5.93% increase, generating $24,520 in local spending and reinforcing the value of supporting local businesses.
Advocacy, Promotion and Community
Advocacy remained a core focus. The Chamber worked closely with Liverpool Plains Shire Council representatives, Business NSW, the NENW Regional Advisory Council, on which I served, and other stakeholders to address issues affecting local businesses.
The Chamber strengthened its profile through signage at the Quirindi Jockey Club, Quirindi Post Office, and Club Quirindi. It also provided Silver Sponsorship for the upcoming 125th Quirindi Show, the Blackville Public School 150th Year Community Cookbook, and the Silo Art Project, as well as sponsorship of $2,550 in Shop Locally Vouchers. A new marketing initiative introduced handmade all-occasion cards promoting the Chamber and region, which are now available for sale.
The 2025 Christmas Shop Promotion attracted 16,703 entries from 38 businesses, up 2.42% from 2024, with 394 additional entries.
Our small committee, supported by a few dedicated volunteers, also decorated Quirindi’s main street and the Quirindi Arcade for Christmas, helping bring festive spirit to the town.
Community involvement included the Quirindi Show, Sunflower on the Plains activities, the HSIE program and presentation days at Quirindi High School and Blackville Public School, Anzac Day and Armistice Day wreath presentations, regional tourism forums, Business NSW events, the Blacktown Streets Alive Festival and Parade Day, and other community initiatives.
Supporting Our Youth
The Chamber proudly sponsored the Outstanding Achievement in Business Studies Award, presented this year to Oliver Bratley from Quirindi High School’s Class of 2025. Established in 2010, the award recognises excellence in Business Studies and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting future business leaders.
Communication and Online Presence
The Chamber expanded its website with the Sunflower Trail Map, Grants Hub, Werris Creek, Wallabadah and Quirindi Rotary Club Community Connect newsletters, and events information, with further member resources planned for next year.
Its Facebook following increased from 946 to 1,042, representing growth of 10.15% over the previous year.
This growth strengthens the Chamber’s ability to promote members, share information, and showcase the Liverpool Plains region.
Looking Forward
In 2026-2027, the Chamber will focus on growing and supporting membership, updating its constitution, strengthening advocacy, creating networking opportunities, promoting local businesses, encouraging tourism, and supporting economic development across the Liverpool Plains.
The Chamber’s strength lies in its members and their willingness to contribute their time, ideas, and support.
Thank You
My sincere thanks go to the Committee, Subcommittees, BIZConnect host businesses and organisations, our partners at Business NSW and Liverpool Plains Shire Council, and all volunteers for their commitment and hard work throughout the year.
Above all, I thank our 88 members for their continued support.
I look forward to continuing to work with our members and Committee in the year ahead.
Tammie Clark, President 2025/2026
