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
Members, it is my honour to present the 2025 President’s Report for the Liverpool Plains Business Chamber Inc. This past year has seen notable accomplishments, including the launch of our new website designed to better promote our members’ businesses and organisations, enhanced direct engagement with our membership bas
Members and guests. It is my pleasure to present the President’s Report for the Liverpool Plains Business Chamber for the year 2024. This year has been one of significant growth, challenge, and opportunity for our Chamber as we continue to support and advocate for our local business community. Over the past 12 months, the Chamber has made considerable strides in several key areas: Membership We’ve welcomed five new members throughout the year, bringing our total membership for 2023/2024 to 82. We acknowledge you, our members as a testament to the value our Chamber provides and the strength of our local business network. We also pay tribute and offer our gratitude to those business members that have ceased trading throughout the year. These businesses have served our community & have also been Chamber Members for many years. We acknowledge with thanks, their contribution. Advocacy & Representation Our Chamber has been active in advocating on behalf of our members, addressing key issues raised. Developed a working relationship with Liverpool Plains Shire Council. Meeting bi-monthly to raise your concerns and seek solutions where possible. Addressed the movement of heavy vehicles thru the heart of Quirindi Discussed re connection of water in the George street Successfully requested the torn banners removed from the main street to make way for new Requested a Community Diary & Community Directory for cohesive access to all stakeholders & events Our members were represented on Anzac Day & Armistice Day, with the Chamber presenting commemorative wreaths on both occasions. We maintain open communication with Business NSW (NENW) to ensure their messaging of matters important to Business and the region is provided to our members. Attended training seminars provided by Business NSW (via Zoom) on vital matters of Changes to Employment, Business Challenges with Personnel and Executive meetings with other Chamber executives Thru Business NSW, The NENW Business Awards have this year been established engaging all businesses within the region to participate. We have now extended our Membership campaign reach to Murrurundi The Chamber provided a submission concerning the draft Freight Policy Reform for the Newcastle Port Authority & impact on freight to the region Addressed members concerns to change our General Meetings to alternating AM & PM Through the support of Business NSW, we have associated with local, state, and federal government representatives to ensure that the voice of Liverpool Plains businesses is heard. Events & Networking We successfully organized several events, including Business Wise, network Member meetings, Shop Local Major Draws, Guest speaking at Events, Attending Event planning meetings. These events have provided valuable opportunities for our members to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. On that note we are introducing the newest initiative BIZ CONNECT. Where YOU host the event in YOUR business. An ideal way to promote your business face to face with member colleagues and their guests. Community Engagement We have strengthened our ties with the broader community by supporting local initiatives and events, such as The Quirindi Show, Sunflowers on the Plains, The Silo Art Committee, Silo Christmas Event, Plains Inc and through our Shop Local Campaign. The Chamber issued 339 vouchers during F24, excluding vouchers that Quirindi High School issue in the amount of $16,570. It has been fantastic to see how well vouchers have supported by the community. This engagement has not only enhanced our visibility but also reinforced the Chamber’s role as a key asset within the community. Financial Health I’m pleased to report that our Chamber remains in a strong financial position. Through prudent management and careful planning, we have maintained a stable financial base, which allows us to continue providing essential services and support to our members. A detailed financial report will be presented by our Treasurer later in this meeting. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, there are several key priorities for the coming year: To continue growing our member base Ensure we are approachable for suggestions from our members to enhance our core function Encourage volunteer participation and contribution in meetings, events, and activities. Strategic Growth We will continue to focus on expanding our membership and enhancing the services we offer. Our goal is to ensure that the Chamber remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our business community. Enhanced Advocacy We will strengthen our advocacy efforts, particularly in areas such as Community Connection. It is crucial that we continue to be a strong voice for our members at all levels of government. Digital Transformation Recognizing the importance of digital tools and platforms, we have invested in a new website, www.LPBusiness.com.au providing online resources, Meeting minutes, Chamber & Member Events, and a Business Directory where you can list yours. Our socials & media presence is more prolific to better serve our members. Member Engagement We will be launching new initiatives aimed at increasing member engagement and participation. Your input and involvement are vital to the success of the Chamber, and we look forward to your continued support. In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated committee, volunteers, and members for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. Together, we have achieved great things, and I am confident that with your continued support, the Liverpool Plains Business Chamber will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on our community. Thank you. Rusty Wallis President 2024/2025
