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From the President
The AGM provided several highlights that said thank you to the outgoing committee and welcome to the new committee.
The unveiling of the new look and excellent website by outgoing President Debra Fraser ensured a smooth transition from team to team. Thank you Debra for a great job and thank you to members for their feedback.
Valuable information flowed freely from guest speaker Don Keady and Warringah Council General Manager Rik Hart inspired us with the challenge to attract a balanced work force in Warringah. Hon Bronwyn Bishop an important lady who supports the local community at every opportunity spoke passionately about the shire.
The support from the members on the night was sensational.
Business breakfasts, after hours network meetings and the new Business Education and Training program continue to attract regular and new members.
Chamber Vice President Keith Ralfs and I had an excellent relationship building meeting with Rik Hart; both the Chamber and Council are eager to work together on issues that affect you...we are here to assist you and your business. Your continued support and increase in membership will see us reach a strong 200 members, then we will really have a say.
Thank you to the executive committee and members for sharing your valuable time.
Stephen Robertson
President Warringah Chamber of Commerce
AGM-Hon Bronwyn Biship with the Staff from Gregory & Carr Funerals
Stephen Robertson
President Warringah Chamber of Commerce
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Executive Committee Members News Updates
- From Michael Syme - Frenchs Forest/ Belrose Executive....
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Michael Syme is very active in the local Warringah business community, and has been involved in many discussions with the Warringah Council about local development and business issues in the Terrey Hills and Frenchs Forest area.
Michael also chairs the internal audit review committee for Warringah council, ensuring good business practices and policies are observed. One of the big challenges facing the business community will be the election of new councilors and ensuring the smooth running of all future councils. We need to provide an environment where local business needs can be balanced with the needs of the residents. As an active member of the chamber, and a regular attendee of the Warringah council meetings, he is often providing feedback to council on its plans and programs.
Michael has also been active with the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel and as a community representative on several council committees.
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From Keith Ralfs - Vice President & Collaroy/Narrabeen Executive |
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As Vice President, Keith sits on a number of Committees & Working Bodies to actively represent the various Business & Commercial interests of Warringah Chamber of Commerce Members
This is a vital role, as the majority of “Public” committee members are retired, no longer in business or have vested interests that may not suit the Business Community as a whole or Chamber members specifically
There are three Committees that meet regularly and have done so for some years, also a number of shorter term projects, generally involved with Warringah Council or contractors to the Council
Warringah Safety Committee, a joint initiative between Warringah Council and the Local Area Command (Dee Why Police), meets quarterly. Committee members include Council Administrator, Rangers, Drug & Alcohol, Planners, Youth Workers, Community Groups, members of various Voluntary Groups and Keith (representing Chamber Members & other business interests – Keith is the only Business owner – as in employer rather than employee, which leads to some “interesting” discussions around time & priorities).
The next meeting to be held 26th November, agenda matters being; Crime Prevention Plan, Northern Beaches Local Area Command Report, Rangers Report, Safety Audit of Maas Road, Community Drug Action Team, Precinct Committee.
Manly Lagoon Joint Estuary & Floodplain Management Committee, meets quarterly, members, being Manly & Warringah Council staff, Department Environment & Climate Change, Department of Lands, various Community interest Groups, and myself as the only representative from the Business Community
The Lagoon was heavily contaminated from the various industries up river in the Brookvale Industrial Basin, Old Pittwater Road, Manly Dam etc. This build-up of toxic chemicals need to be removed with some care, also the ocean outfalls cause flooding, and we need to start considering the environmental impacts of climate change and how we need to adjust to these (consensus on these effects is a topic for serious debate). The next meeting is 13th December
The Narrabeen Lagoon Similar to about, some what more complex due to the number of Community & Interest Groups. Also, more political & community topical
Other Forums, involving the Chamber:-
Department of Transport & State Transit Authority Regional Bus Planning Forum, Held in Dee Why 27th July, various Stakeholders, Politicians, Community Groups & Keith and Past President Debra Fraser representing the Chamber & local Business Groups. As you are no doubt aware public transport services to the Northern Beaches are very poor & there needs to be more participation from all interested parties, it’s a complex issue taking into consideration of all needs & points of view. The intention is for the Chamber to have ongoing input
Talk of the Town Held in Dee Why 16th September, an initiative by Rik Hart Warringah Council’s new General Manager to solicit ideas from Warringah Residents regarding future Community needs. Nearly 400 people attended the Forum, including a number of the Chamber Board. The results to be published soon. |