This month’s Dinner Meeting of the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce will be held on

Thursday 26 April
7.00 for 7.30pm
Beatty Hotel, East Gresford

It should be a fascinating occasion, featuring a presentation by Ted Nobbs and Nancy Knudsen of  Dungog, on their sailing adventures around the world and their business ventures in Australia, Europe and Asia.

Ted is an architect and designer who has practised and lectured in several countries across five decades, as well as a competitive bluewater sailor and transglobal aviator (and organiser of the 2001 London to Sydney Air Race). Nancy is a journalist/writer/broadcaster (with 2 Logie Awards to her credit), author of the popular book “Shooting Stars and Flying Fish: Swapping the Boardroom for the Seven Seas” and an award-winning entrepreneur/business owner. She is perhaps best known as founder in the 1980s of Aircrusing Australia with ABC television icon Bill Peach.

In 2003 Ted and Nancy set off from Sydney on a sailing adventure around the world, finally returning more than 4 years later, after experiencing all the highs and lows that it is possible to pack in to such an odyssey.

More than all of that, Ted and Nancy are a delightful and engaging couple who are committed to their Dungog lifestyle and to the community.

Their presentation will feature sound and vision of their adventures (sure to go way beyond the average holiday slide night!). If you miss this great evening you will kick yourself for missing what may be one of the highlights of our year.

Cost of the 2-course Dinner is $28.00 per person. Ted and Nancy’s entertaining and inspiring presentation is thrown in for free. Networking and gossiping with fellow Chamber members is an added bonu.

Non-members and aspiring members are very welcome.

RSVP by close of business on Monday 23 April – to members@ddcc.org.au or to Sandy White, Secretary, at swiftsecretarialservices@iinet.net.au or on 0418 237 949.

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Come to a night of Glitz and Glamour

 
By supporting these Business Awards you can help to raise awareness of the contribution local businesses make to our community and acknowledge those that have provided great service throughout the year.

The awards are open to all businesses in the district, irrespective of whether they are members of the Chamber of Commerce.

It’s also a great evening for socialising with your friends and business colleagues in the district. This year’s theme is “Glitz and Glamour” and there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Couple, the Most Glamorous Girl and the Glitziest Guy! There’ll also be a raffle with great prizes and an auction of wonderful items for you to bid on.

Catering is by Amorelle Dempster with fine wines provided by Camyr Allyn Wines.

WHEN: Saturday 15 October
WHERE: Dungog Golf Club

Tickets are $55.00 each …. time is fast running out so reserve your place and purchase tickets at Dungog Visitor Information Centre or contact Carolyn Addison at caddison@bigpond.net.au or on 4938 9242.

2011 Nominees

Tourism & Hospitality
The attitude, quality & ability to promote our district
Sponsored by Dungog Visitor Information Centre

• Beatty Hotel
• Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove
• Camyr Allyn Homestead
• Camyr Allyn Wines
• Carriageway Resort
• Eaglereach Wilderness Resort
• Flying Duck Cafe
• Heritage Retreat
• Paterson Tavern
• Plastic Spurs
• Yeranda

Rural Producers
From farmers and nurseries to boutique foods and vineyards
Sponsored by Drovers Ay-One

• Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove
• Camyr Allyn Wines
• Forres Angus Stud
• James Bird
• Johnson’s Farmgate
• Neville Lawrence
• Riverdene Nursery
• Tar 10

Professional Services
Accountants, Estate agents, Solicitors. They keep the wheels turning!
Sponsored by Tilly’s Play and Development Centre

• Dungog Veterinary Hospital
• Dillon & Sons First National
• Maitland Mutual Agency
• National Australia Bank, Dungog Branch
• Spellbound Music

Trades
Builders, butchers, plumbers, mechanics, beauticians – all those trades that make our lives run smoother!
Sponsored by Paterson Tavern

• Cowlick Hair Salon
• Davey & Olsen
• Gresford Gourmet Country Meats
• Kernaghan Family Butcher
• Paterson Valley Butchery
• Pete’s Country Cuts
• Turner Holden

Manufacturing and Industry
Producing innovative products to just plain functional products – the best in their field
Sponsored by Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove

• Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove
• Drovers Ay-One
• Dungog Ready Mix Concrete
• Tar 10

Outstanding Young Employee
Employee under 25 years who demonstrates initiative, high service standards and excellence in their field
Sponsored by Dungog Rotary Club

• Jacinta Allen, Clarence Town IGA
• Luke Stuart, Stuart Everett Motors
• Ronny Ippaviz, Hotel Beatty
• Rosemary Drewett, Chillbillies Cafe Restaurant

Retail
The places you love to shop
Sponsored by Hunter Business Centre

• Lovey’s Dungog IGA
• Gresford Foodworks
• Gresford Post Office & Store
• Paterson Valley Butchery
• Pete’s Country Cuts

Customer Service
Recognising those people who provide outstanding customer service
Sponsored by Hunter Region BEC

• Bernie Lawler, Beatty Hotel
• Bravo Internet
• Chillbillies Cafe Restaurant
• Clarence Town Post Office
• Chloe Grant, Clarence Town Rural Transaction Centre
• Coffee Bean Cafe
• Cowlick Hair Studio
• Davey & Olsen
• Nina Williams, Dungog Community Centre
• Dungog Post Office
• Dungog Pool
• Sue Forbes, East Gresford Post Office
• Gresford Foodworks
• Gresford Gourmey Country Meats
• Gorgeous Hair 4U
• Kernaghan Family Butcher
• Maitland Mutual Agency
• National Australia Bank, Dungog Branch
• Snack Inn
• Twin Rivers Cafe
• Williams Valley Pharmacy
• Williams River Veterinary Clinic

The “Golden Axe” Award
Environmentally sustainable business practices
Sponsored by Budget Handles

• Anglican Op Shop
• Riverdene Nursey

Best New Business
Any category, operating for at least 12 months, a new initiative, a new owner, or a significant new development for an existing business
Sponsored by Hunter Business Chamber

• Aspinall Chiropractic
• Dungog Community Radio Inc
• Flying Duck Cafe
• Heritage Retreat
• Paterson Service Station Coffee Shop
• Step Into Life, Dungog
• Wiseman’s Excavations Pty Ltd

Special Awards (not open for nomination):

Chamber Members Award
For members nominated in other categories who have made a significant contribution to the Chamber, its work or its profile
Sponsored by Addison Partners – Chartered Accountants

Overall Business Excellence
The outstanding business from all the above categories
Sponsored by Rural Press (Dungog Chronicle) – Major Sponsor of the Business Awards

Dungog District Chamber of Commerce – Taking Care of Business
The Chamber is here to support its members, represent their interests at local and state level, offer help and assistance when needed, share members’ knowledge and experience and create networking opportunities.

Contact: President John Rose 4938 9149

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The Chamber’s first Monthly Dinner Meeting for 2012 will be held on Thursday 16 February at the Paterson Tavern, Paterson at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

This month’s meeting will feature a triple presentation (!!!) on the subject of events and their benefits for business and the community. The subject is topical, given the recent announcement by DFF of new dates for the Dungog Film Festival and the invitation they have issued to the district business community to take over a significant part of the Festival’s social program.

Starting the evening will be Allen Shrimpton with a brief update on the new MTB track at Dungog Common, Pedalfest and other great cycling events.

Ivan Skaines, Dungog Shire Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator, will then provide some insights, observations and comments on events and tourism promotion in Dungog District, including the work of Dungog Shire Events Inc.

John Rose, President of the Chamber, will close by discussing the role played by events in place promotion and business development and how communities can take control of their events program and optimise the benefits. John has over 25 years’ experience in events management and events program administration, ranging from small community events to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

It will be a great opportunity to get together over a meal, network with friends and business colleagues and have a chat about business prospects for us all in the coming year. All business people and friends of business in the Dungog District are warmyl invited to attend.

Cost is $25 per person including a great meal from our friends at Yabby’s Bistro.

Please RSVP by Monday 13 February to Sandy White, Chamber Secretary, on 0418 237 949 or at swhite@bravo.net.au or to John Rose at members@ddcc.org.au.

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Carol Skafte-Zauss has stepped down as President of the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce to concentrate on her work at Mission Australia. Replacing her is John Rose (Camyr Allyn Homestead, East Gresford), who was elected at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting last Wednesday, 17 August.

The AGM also saw Marion Stuart (Bower Retreat, Main Creek) elected as Vice President; Sandy White (Swift Secretarial Services, Dungog) elected as Secretary; and Lynn Jenkin (Business Coach, Dungog) returned as Treasurer.

Committee members elected at the meeting were Chris Iacono (Bunna Bunoo Olives, Vacy); Kate Murphy (Drovers Ay-One and Dungog Ready Mixed Concrete); Felix Prentice (W J Enright & Prentice Solicitors, Dungog); Ted Nobbs (Blackwattle Studios Architecture and Media, Dungog); and Ivan Skaines (Economic Development & Tourism Manager, Dungog Shire Council).

Carol Skafte-Zauss thanked all those on the Committee, the Chamber membership and the wider business community who had been of assistance during her term as President.

“The Chamber is here to represent and be of assistance to all businesses in the Shire”, she said.  “We need to find ways to convince businesses of the benefits of membership, and members of the benefits of being more active in Chamber activities.”

Membership had directly helped her husband’s business (Budget Handles) by introducing networks and relationships that had led to mutually beneficial business contracts.

“If we had not been active members, we would not have become aware of just how important the relationships developed through the Chamber could be to his business,” Ms Skafte-Zauss said.

Incoming President John Rose formally thanked Carol for all the hard work and time she has put into the Presidency and the Committee over the past few years.

He is looking forward to working closely with the Committee to advance the interests of the Chamber and the wider business community.

“There are a number of ways we can help local business, including the recognition afforded by our annual Business Awards and representations to Council and to State and Federal Government on behalf of local businesses”, Mr Rose said.

“An exciting opportunity lies in the Chamber Alliance Program of the Hunter Business Chamber, which can bring insights, assistance and guidance to local businesses, small and large, on practical issues like awards, employment and payroll matters.

“I’m grateful for the strong pledge of support we’ve received from The Hunter Business Chamber.”

Mr Rose encouraged all members to attend the Chamber’s next dinner meeting on 15 September.

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Taking Care of Business

The Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) represents the commercial interests of businesses in the Dungog shire district. Becoming a member of the Chamber is rewarding and provides you and your business with a range of benefits:

• DDCC hosts and maintains the only online business directory for Dungog district businesses and community organisations, with members receiving a priority listing that can include their logo and contact details.

•  DDCC members receive a dedicated page for their business, including a description and an individual “Contact Us” form, on the DDCC website (www.ddcc.org.au).

• DDCC hosts opportunities to network and socialise with other business people at monthly dinner meetings, with special guest speakers and presentations on matters of interest to business owners and operators.

• DDCC acknowledges and promotes successful local businesses through its annual Business Awards.

• DDCC runs or supports a number of specific projects such as a shop local campaign, street banners featuring sponsoring businesses during special events, a promotional campaign for local businesses providing services to the fast-growing weddings industry and many more.

• Members receive updates on important council, state and federal matters.

• Members can have input into shire matters by discussion with councillors who attend our dinner meetings and via DDCC representatives on council committees.

• Members can access special membership privileges of the Hunter Business Chamber and NSW Business Chamber including free advice and consultation as well as member rates on events, seminars and training sessions.

 To become a member or renew your existing membership, download the Membership Form here.

More information:  John Rose, President

                                              4938 9149

                                              Sandy White, Secretary

                                             4992 1978

                                             or members@ddcc.org.au

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On Tuesday 19 April an evening meeting was held at the Doug Walters Pavilion in Dungog to discuss the viability of establishing a wedding industry in the local area. Of course we know that weddings are currently taking place here but people are often sourcing goods and services before they come to the shire as they are unaware of what is on offer.

Around 20 attendees representing a wide range of businesses and services within the community, including accommodation providers, restaurants, property owners and churches, showed great interest on building from what we already have. The vibe was very positive, there was lively discussion with many points put forward and questions raised, and everyone is keen to see this project get off the ground. People who attended displayed real enthusiasm showing their willingness to work together and get Dungog and the surrounding areas on the map as a destination for weddings and special events.

This opportunity to apply for funding from Industry and Investment NSW is dollar for dollar, so it is important to know numbers before we submit the application. Registration forms will be distributed to those businesses and services that have expressed interest in the initiative shortly. We can even work out a payment plan for those businesses that might be just starting out. Topics discussed at the meeting included the membership fee, likely to be $250, which would include a main wedding website connected with the Chamber website, membership of the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce, a web page for each business or service, a weddings booklet listing local businesses and services involved and representation at selected wedding expos.

There will be no limit placed on who can join the initiative and if a particular service is not currently available locally it could be an opportunity for local people to start up a business or nearby businesses and services will be invited to join. Tracy Clifton is co-ordinating the initiative on behalf of the Dungog and District Chamber of Commerce. If anyone would like more information on this initiative please contact Tracy on 0422 823 001 or her by email on tracy.clifton@hotmail.com

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Hello everyone

One of then things I am keen to start up in my role as Economic Development and Tourism Co-ordinator here at Dungog Council is an email distribution list which I can use to disseminate information about upcoming events and opportunities that might be of interest to businesses and others in Dungog Shire.  The advantage of an email distribution list is that I can send out regular, concise information in a timely manner to local businesses at very little expense.

Membership of the list would be voluntary, I would include everyone’s email addresses in the Bcc section of the email so they would kept private and people can ask to be taken off the list at any time.  If you are interested in receiving such emails please drop me a note to ivans@dungog.nsw.gov.au

Here is an example of the type of emails I would send out:

Businesses in the Dungog Shire are invited to attend a free workshop to assist them to develop a plan for the management, growth and development of their businesses.  The workshop will be held at the Dungog SES training facility, Clarence Town Road, Dungog on Thursday, 7 April from 6 pm to 9 pm.

This workshop is relevant for both new and existing small- or medium-sized businesses in any industry wanting to learn how to grow their businesses.  It is being funded by Industry & Investment NSW and Dungog Shire Council, and supported by Dungog District Chamber of Commerce.

Numbers are limited so early registration is essential.   To register please contact Ivan Skaines Dungog Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Co-ordinator on 4995 7777 or email ivans@dungog.nsw.gov.au by Tuesday, 5 April.

All the best

Ivan

—-

Ivan Skaines

Economic Development & Tourism Co-ordinator, Dungog Shire Council

PO Box 95 | 198 Dowling Street |  DUNGOG  NSW  2420

T: 02 4995 7777 | M: 0428 258 464 | F: 02 4995 7750

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Circular – Declared holidays for the Easter/Anzac Day period

This year both Easter Monday and ANZAC Day fall on Monday 25 April.
Different governments have approached this differently and also have
declared different days as Easter holidays.

The Circular identifies the declared holidays in each state and territory
and advises what follows from a day being a declared holiday.

For further information

80434716c266008e64de7adb152edde6b3e59f38e32a
download the full Workplace Relations Circular .

If you have any questions please contact theWorkplace Advice Line on13 29 59.

Regards,

Dick Grozier
Director, Industrial Relations
NSW Business Chamber

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TillegraDamAnnouncement

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In November 2006 the community of Dungog awoke to a shock announcement when then NSW state premier Iemma committed his government and Hunter Water to a $3billion project to build the Tillegra Dam. Last Sunday, in another shock November announcement, the dam was canned.

In the four years between the two announcements businesses in Dungog have struggled to deal with a roller coaster of despondency and hope as investment in the Williams Valley ceased and many of their loyal customers succumbed to the pressure to move out to make way for the dam. As business turnovers reduced and things got tighter many came to see the dam as inevitable and started to anticipate a return to brighter economic times when construction started.

“That hope of a dam-led boost to our local economy to redress four long years of uncertainty and financial stress is now gone and Dungog businesses must regroup and start to work towards a different future” said Dungog District Chamber of Commerce member Kate Murphy, ”We are a resilient people and most businesses will survive and eventually thrive but we do need support from the state government while we work through this challenge”.

“People here are angry with the way this whole situation has been handled from start to finish. Our shire has a small population and a large, badly degraded road network we need a guarantee, not just promises, of significant ongoing road funding – $3million per year for 7 years – to make our main access roads safe.” Dungog NRMA agent Tim Olsen said. “I see the effects of sub standard roads every day in accidents and damage to peoples’ cars”

Tourism operator Marion Stuart from Bower Retreat added “Dungog’s main tourist draw card is our brilliant natural environment but state government funding cuts to National Parks and State Forests budgets mean that basic infrastructure like clear signage has been left to run down, restricting visitors’ access to the best sites. A joint application for funding to fix this problem has languished with state government for years, it is so frustrating”

“The Dungog Business Investment Fund was a great initiative designed to give local businesses access to funds for viable expansion projects – It needs to be enhanced, increased and made more accessible to give an immediate boost to the local economy.” Stated Carol Skafte-Zauss, Dungog District Chamber of Commerce president, “in addition our shire council needs funds to identify, purchase and develop new light industrial sites to encourage local employment.

“The business people of Dungog did not ask for the Tillegra dam to be announced, that decision was imposed on us. We tried to make the best of a bad situation, we helped state government and Hunter Water work through the issues, we commented on the EAR and we trusted that the needs and welfare of our community would be recognised and protected throughout the process. Now we expect a fair go from state government and reasonable compensation for the stress, disruption and uncertainty this community has been put through so we can get back on our feet.”

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