It is an honour to stand before you today as we gather for this important discussion on the State of our City. Today’s Leader Forum is not just about where we are today but about where we are headed—how we continue to build on the strong foundations laid by those who came before us and how we, together, as a united business community, can help to shape the future of Tamworth.

The Tamworth region is built on the dedication, resilience, and vision of its people. It thrives because of its business community—businesses that are not just names on shopfronts but legacies woven into the fabric of our region.

Take, for example, the Woodley family from Woodley’s Motors, the Camilleri family from Baiada, the Treloars, Maguires, and Singhs. These families, across generations, have not only provided employment and economic growth but have also been deeply invested in the prosperity of this region. Their commitment—like that of so many businesses here this morning—has helped Tamworth grow into the progressive regional centre that it is today.

And that is why collaboration is so essential. No city, no business, no individual succeeds in isolation. It is through partnerships, cooperation, and a shared vision that we achieve the best outcomes for our community as a whole. Whether it’s businesses working together, industries supporting one another, or government and the private sector aligning for a common goal, the greatest success comes when we pull in the same direction.

A critical part of this collaboration is ensuring we have the right tools in place to drive growth.

Businesses need certainty, support, and infrastructure to expand, innovate, and create opportunities for growth.

That’s where Tamworth Regional Council plays such a vital role. Council decisions and the services they supply are contributing factors to our business success. Whether it is through the provision of roads, rates, rubbish, and all-important water, or through planning instruments, economic initiatives, and projects that improve the liveability of our region, Local Government can have a major impact on our operating landscape.

It is therefore imperative that we, as a business community, remain engaged with the direction that Council is taking and that we have a voice in any plans for the future.

If we want to see Tamworth continue to grow, to be a leader in regional development, to attract investment and new opportunities, then the business community must work together, listen to each other, and take a more active role in shaping the policies and projects that will carry us forward.

It is not realistic to think that there won’t be challenges and obstacles along the way. Growth is never without its challenges—whether it’s navigating compliance requirements, economic uncertainty, adapting to changing industries, or ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with development.

But challenges are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to innovate, to communicate, and to act decisively. When the business community comes together to address these challenges head-on, when we have open conversations and take collective action, we can overcome them and emerge even stronger.

This is the role of the Tamworth Business Chamber. It’s to advocate on behalf of our business community. It’s to provide feedback, collaborate, and create opportunities for businesses to learn, to network, and to grow.

At the end of the day, we’re all here for the same purpose and intent—that is, to do good business.

Again, our region is built on the determination of those who have come before us. It is our responsibility to ensure that we all collectively continue that legacy. We have the vision, the drive, and the capability to make Tamworth an even better place to live, work, and do business.

Remember, in the immortal words of President Teddy Roosevelt:

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing,
the next best thing is the wrong thing,
and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

So, I encourage you all—let’s keep building, keep collaborating, and keep pushing for a better future for business in Tamworth.

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