Jill's Journeys Out and About

 

Hullo there, how has your week been?

Here I am back from the annual NSW Variety Bash and inspired yet again by the incredible and hard working people of the rural communities and country towns we visited during the course of our dusty, yet surprisingly muddy travels too. We should all take time to travel throughout this amazing country of ours to better understand how important and precious this land of ours really is, and how vital the diminishing food bowls and agricultural industries are to our futures.

Every day holds something unique and special for us. We felt privileged to drive along the towering levy banks of the massive cotton plantations around Moree after visiting the cotton gins, and another day we traversed the swollen creeks of the picturesque hinterland of northern NSW. We even took part in a broadcast lesson of the Bourke and Walgett School of Distance Education one afternoon, because today’s technology has increased the exposure for many of these isolated children.

Every town we visited meant about $80,000 dollars was injected into that town’s economy in 24 hours, by the 400 odd Bash army - through spending on accommodation, food and entertainment, fuel and other various miscellaneous goods and services. Some traders did more business in a day than they have done for much of this year. So many business people went out of their way to ensure we had a great time, enjoyed superb local hospitality and will think about visiting their region again because we were warmly welcomed and made to feel special. Their customer service was focused and genuine.

Many of the towns and regions we visited have invented festivals of all shapes and kinds to build their local economies. Lismore holds the annual Lantern Festival every year. Macleay has copied the Stawell Gift from Victoria with their very own version. Others have built up river festivals, themed street parades, cultural events and all sorts of activities designed to bring their communities together and attract visitors from much further afield.

It is time we added to our very successful Penrith City Festival, St Marys’ Spring Fair, Penrith Show and created another big festival style event to add to our community calendar to help us show case how fantastic we are here in Penrith Valley to other parts of the globe, not just the locals!

You will be pleased to know the Penrith contingent on this year’s Bash were at the forefront of spoiling the special needs children we met along the way. The boys from St Mary’s Leagues and DLR Building Services esepcially were a huge hit. Made me feel very proud of our Chamber members!

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Tania was quick to tell me how very successful last week’s Torstar hosted networking function was with its  popular Greek hospitality theme. This was matched by the generous lucky door prizes offered by Spiro and Greg on the night, adding to those of our regular great supporters. Steve Archer from Bank of Queensland joined Saskia Kremer from UWS, Rod Matthew from KSR, Kath McDicken from Kath McDicken Business Services and Julia Parashko from Steppin’ out Duo.

Melanie Wright from CTC Communications chatted with Rosemary Weaver, Nepean Historical Society, Aaron Tyers from @ Print and Rob Heathcote from Nerds on Site. As well Peter Garrett from Baby Nights spent time with Tina and Mick Calarco from Alexis Plumbing, and Maralyn Kastel from the Detail Devils. Photos will be added to this web site over the next day or two.

Our next events, including the %A1%C6%D5%C8%A3%D8%AB%B4%B2%AD%D9%CD%AB%C0%96%A4%C5%CA networking are fast approaching so be sure to book in soon.
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I understand the political scene locally should be finally determined officially next week. The Chamber looks forward to working closely both with the successful candidate and the opposition candidate throughout the next term of government.

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Members who wish to consider nominating for an Executive position this year at the AGM , 28th September at St Mary's Band Club, should be contacting me asap.
All nominees need to ensure they have the time and energy the role demands. It is certainly not a vehicle for self promotion, rather a firm commitment to our wider business community and of course other members.
See the separate articles and nominees further on in Chatter.
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Don't forget we are always interested to learn what matters most to you, so please feel free to contact the Chamber office at any time by phone or email. If you wish to visit then just ring me and make an appointment to suit. You don't need to have a problem, some members come and discuss marketing ideas and promotional opportunities too!
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If you missed our fantastic networking functions recently then be sure to check our Events Calendar, always on the web site. www.penrithchamber.org.au

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We want to grow this Chamber so YOU can grow your businesses - Help us help you!
Hope to see, or hear from you soon!     cheers,  Jill

 

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