The Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Board Members are prominent business professionals with a passion for and commitment to the Tamworth Business Community. They give their time, energy and expertise to the Chamber in a completely voluntary capacity.
The key role for the board is to set out strategic objectives for the Tamworth Business Chamber, and assist with various subcommittees who support, promote and aid in the development of the Tamworth region.
David Errington
David Errington
Dave Errington is Managing Director of Apollo Engineering. Apollo is a locally owned family business that specialises in advanced manufacturing. Apollo is an OEM for a range equipment, supporting industries such as mining, mechanical, rail, transport, waste collection and more. Apollo also supports local industry with our advanced manufacturing advanced manufacturing capabilities with services such as CNC Machining, laser cutting, CNC folding and fabrication.
Dave grew up in Tamworth, completing his schooling at Tamworth High School in 1993. He began his career in manufacturing, joining the family business as an apprentice Fitter and Machinist. Over the next 25 years his passion for Australian manufacturing grew as the business continued to embrace technology to improve efficiency and create a globally competitive market offering. During this time, Dave completed his Bachelor of Business at the University of New England, met his wife Karina, had two children and moved to Bundaberg to work in the family business for 4 years. In 2018, an opportunity presented itself to purchase the (original) business in Tamworth which Dave and Karina jumped at.
Dave is extremely passionate about regionally based manufacturing and believes that the best way to achieve success is to innovate and collaborate.
"innovation is the only way that we can remain competitive in a global marketplace. Collaboration is all about working together to achieve the best desired outcomes for the whole. Whether it is with your suppliers, work group, customers, training providers, government departments - it doesn't matter, as long as everybody in the value chain gains success from it".
Martin Howes
Martin Howes
Martin is the Centre Manager at Centrepoint Tamworth and has over 17 years’ experience in retail and shopping centre management.
In his previous roles, Martin has managed large scale retail assets such as Charlestown Square in Lake Macquarie along with smaller community based shopping centres such as Carlingford Court in Sydney’s north western suburbs. He has extensive experience working with retail business both locally and nationally and has a unique perspective and skill set that he will bring to the Tamworth Business Chamber.
Martin already works closely with the Tamworth Business Chamber and has contributed to the success of the ‘Think Local, Shop Local’ campaign over the last 4 years. Centrepoint Tamworth is the major shopping centre sponsor of the ‘Think Local, Shop Local’ campaign that last year generated over $1 mil in local retail sales.
He also has previous experience as a Board Member of Dantia, the economic development company for Lake Macquarie City Council, and has contributed to the board of The Place, a local community centre based in Charlestown NSW.
Whilst not originally from Tamworth, Martin moved here over 5 years ago and now calls Tamworth home. He is committed to supporting local businesses and seeing the Tamworth community prosper.
Mary Ryan-Garnett
Mary Ryan-Garnett
Mary has a diverse background in finance, hospitality and community relations. Her expertise in stakeholder and community engagement as well as events and project management hold her in good steed to ensure collaboration and engagement within the community.
Mary's expertise in stakeholder management and community relations ensures that she will foster stonger connections between Chamber and the local community. Mary will aim to build a maintain strong relations with key stakeholders ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met, whilst building and promoting economic growth.
Mary has extensive experience in event and project management and will assist by leveraging her experience and bring value to the business community and enhancing networking opportunities.
Mary is committed to supporting and advocating local businesses and ensuring that the community continues to prosper and flourish.
Caroline Lumley
Caroline Lumley
Since moving to Tamworth 9 years ago, Caroline has played an active role with Chamber -not only as a member but as our Executive Officer and as a past Board member. This experience gives Caroline a keen understanding of Chamber’s member base and the issues and events that best engage them. In 2019, 2022 and2024, she delivered the Quality Business Awards program and Gala Dinner on our behalf.
Caroline boasts more than 30 years management experience in the delivery of strategic marketing, media, PR, large scale events, sponsorship and stakeholder engagement in a diverse range of fields including but not limited to: hospitality and tourism, rugby league, local and state government.
Thanks to years spent working with member-based organisations, Caroline has extensive experience in the delivery of customer loyalty programs that build trust and drive
As a small business owner, she is passionate about finding ways to improve and strengthen the local business environment and promoting the interests of the local business community.
Away from Chamber, you will find her either at the gym or walking her dogs Norman and Harley.
Craig Clarke
Craig Clarke
Craig boasts 33 years in the banking industry, excelling in roles across financial markets, retail and commercial banking. Since moving to Tamworth with his family six years ago, he has whole-heartedly embraced the town and contributes to various community-driven initiatives including Rotary and Bective East Cricket Club. Craig has also previously been involved with other Sydney Business Chambers, including Manly and Norwest.
Katherine Sherrie
Katherine Sherrie
Katherine is the Business Development Manager of FPM Cereal Milling Systems Pty Ltd, an independent, family-owned specialised milling company that has been producing cereal and pulse-based products in Taminda since 2004.
Before moving to Tamworth in November 2021, she had a 12-year career in the marketing, advertising and communications industry working across client and agency roles in Sydney, Perth and the USA for organisations ranging from Microsoft, to Ernst & Young and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Most recently, she was the Director of Digital and Integration at a full-service ad agency creating solutions for clients across a range of industries.
Katherine completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts double degree at the University of Sydney. She is about to embark on a new challenge, completing a Flour Milling Certificate through the UK Flour Millers distance learning programme.
She has experience working with stakeholders from across the private and public sectors, with a particular interest in creating diverse and inclusive organisations, mentoring young people, and supporting other rural businesses as they face their unique challenges.
Outside of work, she is a member of the Tamworth Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association and is a keen reader, baker, and hiker.
Monty Maguire
Monty Maguire
Monty Maguire is the Managing Director of the Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges.
Monty took up the role at The Powerhouse after relocating to Tamworth earlier this year from Armidale & having her first child, Poppy. Monty and her partner Chris operate a lucerne farm at Piallamore and a contract farming business, Johnstone Rural Services.
She is a board member of the Accommodation Association of Australia’s (AAoA) NSW State Advisory Committee and was the Vice President of Business New England (formerly Armidale Business Chamber) and works to drive growth to the region through the tourism and hospitality sectors.
With more than a decade of hotel and hospitality experience, she was the General Manager of The Powerhouse Hotel Armidale by Rydges for over 8 years, after working overseas at the Ritz Carlton Central Park, New York, Maradiva Villas, Resort & Spa, Mauritius and at leading London restaurants The Wolseley and Rabot 1745.
Born into a hardworking hospitality family in Tamworth, she has been immersed in the business since she was a child and studied Hospitality Management at Ecole Hoteliere in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Monty is a strong advocate for both the industry and North West business community and together with her family has a long and proud history of supporting regional Australian travel and delivering exceptional service and quality.
Simon Walden
Simon Walden
With over a decade of experience in the technology and data centre industries, Simon has been instrumental in redefining the landscape of data storage and management for regional businesses. His expertise lies in developing innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the ever-evolving demands of digital infrastructure for reginal businesses competing in a global marketplace.
Beginning his career as a tele salesperson with Telstra Business Centre Tamworth, Simon's excellent communication skills and ability to engage with customers delivered a range of solutions from inception to deployment, to a substantial customer base with 100% satisfaction. He has held positions including Telstra Team Leader and Sales Manager, before shifting to his current role meeting the growing needs for business data and cyber security. Simon's expertise in telco and data centre solutions delivery was pivotal to his current organisation receiving The Edge Award, acknowledging innovation in delivering superior user experience in connectivity and interconnections for edge data centres.
Simon subscribes to a regional technology uplift for regional Australia, a philosophy centred on all levels in business from Local Government to SMB's, resulting in an accelerated take up of services from Leading edge Data Centres.
Simon champions th euse of cutting-edge technology to create data centres that protect businesses and minimise ecological impact.
Simon is a passionate advocate for collaboration, forging strong partnerships across the tech sector. He believes in fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging his team to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in data management.
Outside of his professional life, Simon is passionate about Australian cricket, the Newcastle Knights and his family, including rescue German Shepherd, Thor.
Simon is committed to local business growth and as a local his whole life, understands the challenges and opportunities facing Tamworth and regional businesses.
Kate Spradbrow
Kate Spradbrow
With a strong background in recruitment and operations, Kate is an experienced leader who understands the importance of connecting people and businesses for shared success. As the founder of K Recruitment Specialists, Kate works to connect the right people to encourage business growth and support personal career goals. Her qualifications in Business, Leadership, and Management further enhance her strategic approach to driving outcomes for organisations and individuals.
Kate is deeply committed to fostering economic growth and sustainable development in Tamworth and the surrounding regions. Her work, both through the Chamber and her recruitment business, is focused on empowering businesses, connecting leaders, and creating pathways for career and economic success.
Kate’s vision is to ensure the Tamworth region thrives by supporting its people, its businesses, and its future opportunities.
Abbey Geyer
Abbey Geyer
Growing up in Narromine, NSW, Abbey has a strong connection to regional NSW and is committed to supporting the prosperity of rural and regional communities. She has built a broad skill set across diverse roles in the hospitality and events industries, specialising in client relationship management, event coordination, team leadership, and strategic planning.
A graduate of the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School with a Bachelor of Business in International Hotel and Resort Management, Abbey is dedicated to continuous professional and personal development, particularly in regional Australia’s evolving hospitality and events sectors. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by undertaking a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through TAFE, enhancing her skills in education and workforce development.
As the Events Manager at Tamworth Business Chamber, Abbey plays a key role in organising and executing events that foster community engagement and stimulate business growth. Known for her leadership, creativity, and strategic insight, she ensures that each event runs seamlessly, meeting both financial and operational goals.
With a background that blends hospitality and business, Abbey brings a holistic perspective to the events industry, from venue management and logistics to client service and team development. Her dedication to continuous learning, paired with her commitment to supporting regional communities, makes her a valuable asset to the Tamworth Business Chamber.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending quality time with her two dogs, Winston and Frank, and her fiancé Sam. She also values attending local events within the vibrant Tamworth community and believes in the importance of celebrating and supporting regional growth.
Abbey thrives in collaborative environments, with a passion for empowering local businesses, educational institutions, and the broader community. Her goal is to contribute to the continued success of the region by implementing innovative and sustainable practices, helping to position Tamworth as a dynamic hub for tourism, events, and business development.