Council commits to support businesses and regional growth

• Council supports Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce with funding of $35,000 for the next 12 months to deliver strategic and progressive goals within the regional business communities
• The funding will be used to boost regional development in the Goondiwindi Region
• The Chamber operates autonomously from Council

Goondiwindi Regional Council has approved funding of $35,000 to the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce. This investment will support six strategic goals and shape the Chamber’s operational direction for the benefit of businesses in the Goondiwindi Region.

Under Council's Community Grant funding arrangement, the Chamber presented a comprehensive set of strategic goals for the next 12 months. These goals were accepted during the December Ordinary Meeting and will guide the Chamber’s efforts in promoting, advocating, and educating businesses.

Some of the goals the Chamber are continually working towards include:

• Organise five or more networking events in Goondiwindi and Inglewood, as well as the Goondiwindi Regional Job Expo that promotes career opportunities for school leavers and locals seeking change.
• Promote regional business growth by supporting Twilight on Marshall, a late-night shopping event.
• Support and maintain the Grow Gundy Gift Card Program and coordinate with the Goondiwindi Region website.
• Continue to serve as the peak body for regional businesses and maintain relationships with other business representative organisations, such as tourism bodies.
• Identify best practices and support opportunities to promote networking among members while raising business skills through training and information sessions.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Councillor Lawrence Springborg AM, who also holds the portfolio for Economic Development, said that Council is committed to ensuring that the funding supplied provides real outcomes and benefits to the business community within the Goondiwindi Region.

“In addition to the $35,000 funding, the Chamber are provided with a free office space to facilitate the delivery of these strategies,” Cr Springborg said.

Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce President Peter Travers thanked Council and said businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our region.

“By working together, we can generate growth, open up opportunities, and lay a solid foundation for the future,” Mr Travers said.

Councillor Jason Watts, the Council representative for the Chamber said, the Chamber represents the interests of business within the Goondiwindi Region.

"While the Chamber is not associated with Council and operates autonomously on behalf of its members, it does advocate for our regional businesses through promoting, networking and socialising to improve members business skills with training and information sessions," Cr Watts said.

"We are very fortunate in the Goondiwindi Region to have such an active and engaged local business community."