The Western District Chamber’s (WDC) new committee is well up and running with three new committee members – Joshua Kirkness, Telstra Store; Marie Water, are-able, and Kirsten Kershaw, The Obsidian Room

In addition, Jill Dickeson of Grangeburn Office & IT has returned as vice-president, James Wellner of Findex Hamilton continues as treasurer, and Jessica Dowdy of Stratus Legal Group has taken over as secretary and public officer.

Melissa Crozier of Sinclair Wilson and Louise McLennan of The Regent Florist have continued on as general committee members.

WDC president, Darcy Walker expressed his thanks to Michael Byrne of AZURA Ocean Technologies, Matthew Nettleton of Sustainable Plastic Solutions and The Bunyip Hotel, Justin Bryant of Bendigo Bank and Anna Rees of Hunter Newns and Holt “for their efforts on the Hamilton Regional Business Association Committee over the last few years and helping us transition to the Western District Chamber.”

“We continue to look to build our committee to increase the representation of businesses across our region and ensure leadership within our business community,” he said.

He said he was always looking for interested parties to joining the committee as “it has proven to be a very rewarding experience for all who get involved”.

“Advocacy is the primary focus of the Western District Chamber along with our networking events,” Mr Walker said.

“Our recent Advocacy Forum reviewed the issues faced by businesses in our region and showed three core issues of concern along with the many other issues:

“Housing supply for workers was the strongest concern with policies of the Federal, State and Local Governments needing to improve to address this fundamental and complex issue.

“Cost of doing business was second of concern with wages, low productivity as well other input costs to business all rising at unsustainable rates.  This is most keenly felt in small businesses where margins and pressures on members can’t be passed on or shared easily.

“Council competency was also a strong concern due to the performance of the Cox Street Project, and CDB issues affecting businesses, along with a lack of consultation from Council officials.”

Mr Walker said the recent walk along Gray Street with Wannon MP, Dan Tehan and Senator Jane Hume “gave us an opportunity to raise the cost of doing business and housing issues with our federal representatives”.

“We aim to in the coming week communicate with other levels of government the outcomes of our Advocacy Forum as we continue to advocate for our members,” he said.

“We have two networking events scheduled to round out this year, our Annual Evening Gala at the Hamilton Racecourse and our Christmas Connect showcasing Harvey Norman Hamilton at the Obsidian Room.  I encourage all members and businesses to attend these events and take the opportunity to enjoy a night out with other business people, de-brief and network together.

“As always, we continue to seek feedback from members as to any issues affecting businesses in our region as we move towards a new Council … Christmas trading promotions, training required or anything else of concern.

“Please feel free to contact me as required.”