NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - Tamworth Business Chamber News

Presidents Update - April

Last month, the Chamber welcomed Kate Spradbrow as the new Operations Manager, bringing extensive experience in sales, HR, and business ownership, positioning her well to assist in implementing the Strategic Operational review. I would Also like to highlight the stable unemployment rate of 3.8% announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for February 2024, though it noted potential challenges such as underemployment and its impact on small businesses. Additionally, I will discuss the growing adoption of electric vehicles in regional Australia, Tamworth's review of EV charging station rollout, and the launch of the Think Local Shop Local campaign, aiming to support local businesses and foster community awareness about the importance of shopping locally.

Tamworth Regional Council EV Strategy & Policy

Tamworth Regional Council has taken significant steps to embrace the rising trend of Electric Vehicles (EVs). At a recent council meeting, Councillors agreed to put our Electric Vehicle Strategy and Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and we want your feedback.

EOIs sought for No. 1 Oval Pavilion

Tamworth Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for a business opportunity in relation to the proposed No. 1 Oval Pavilion Upgrade.

View Jobs Launch

View Jobs is a dedicated platform for the regional employment market catering to the requirements of regional and rural employers - we've seen a 5% increase in regional job ads and 10% decrease in metro job ads

Paramedics New Piper Street Home Officially Open

Tamworth’s hard-working paramedics are now saving lives from their state-of-the-art new ambulance station on Piper Street, North Tamworth.

Tamworth Junior Chamber - April

Tamworth Junior Chamber focus's on planning new events, and building Committee members skills.

Qube - Tamworth Intermodal Hub

Qube opens a 10ha rail hub in Tamworth's new Global Gateway Park.

Presidents Report - March 2024

The March newsletter highlights key findings from the Business Conditions Survey by BusinessNSW, noting a rise in business confidence but concerns about cost-of-living pressures, supply chain disruptions, and job application challenges. It introduces the ViewJobs platform, a regionally focused recruitment initiative, and features an article on Business Email Compromise scams by Chamber Director Craig Clarke. The newsletter also covers the success of the Junior Chamber's long lunch and includes insights from Brooke Southwell on collaboration in business. Additionally, it teases the upcoming 2024 Think Local Shop Local Campaign and the State of the City Leaders Forum.

Scam Awareness - Craig Clarke

Scams targeting businesses are on the rise, with reported losses of $23.2 million last year, according to the ACCC. Payment redirection scams, known as Business Email Compromise, pose a significant threat. Scammers compromise emails through credential phishing or stuffing, intercepting invoices and redirecting payments to their accounts. To safeguard against this, businesses should verify new payment details with vendors through trusted channels. Training staff to recognize and report suspicious emails is crucial. Implementing multifactor authentication and keeping antivirus software updated adds an extra layer of security. If a business email is compromised, immediate steps include changing passwords, contacting the financial institution, and reporting the scam to Scamwatch and Report Cyber.

Junior Chamber - March 2024

The Junior Chamber Committee expresses delight in sharing the success of their recent Long Table Lunch held on February 17th. The day was marked by sunshine, laughter, delicious food, and community growth. The event featured diverse dishes, welcoming new faces, and extending gratitude to sponsors like Southwell Property. Tamworth Event Planners and Rowdy Crowd Cups were praised for their flawless execution. The committee bids farewell to outgoing Chair Shonia Poole, acknowledging her extraordinary leadership, and welcomes new Chair Josie Grady with enthusiasm. The committee thanks all contributors and looks forward to building on their successes in the future.

Revive & Thrive

"REVIVE & THRIVE" - the intensive 5-Week online Group Health and Wellness coaching package, designed to help leaders and business owners prioritise their health and wellbeing, set healthy boundaries and reduce stress.

Tamworth Tree Planting

Funding to plant new trees will green our future. Funding from the Australian Government will be used to further green Tamworth’s CBD, with works to prepare the CBD for 18 trees plantings in winter to start next week.