The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a highly successful Proserpine network meeting, showcasing its commitment to delivering valuable opportunities and support to the local business community. The event, held at Filby’s Motors on Thursday 13 July 2023 brought together over 40 enthusiastic attendees who were eager to explore new strategies and collaborations.
Chamber President Allan Milostic set the tone for the meeting by reaffirming the Chamber’s new strategic direction, emphasising the Board’s dedication to raising standards and relevance within advocacy projects. The President also shared exciting updates on the upcoming Vision for the Whitsundays research and advocacy project and the revamped membership structure set to be launched in July, which will provide enhanced benefits and opportunities for Chamber members.
The event witnessed the honorable presence of the State Member of Parliament for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, who advocated for government investment in regional infrastructure and addressing the pressing housing issue that directly impacts staffing challenges. Ms Camm’s support and insights resonated with the attendees, encouraging them to join forces in advocating for these vital initiatives.
During the general discussion, members voiced their concerns about staff shortages, prompting the federal government’s Business Industry and Regional Outreach Team to present the option of skilled migration. Yvette Adams outlined the government’s increased focus on promoting the Smart Move Australia campaign by engaging in increased activity overseas. These insights shed light on potential solutions for the staffing challenges faced by our members.
With 6-months left to the calendar year, what is the one improvement you want to make in your business?
During the event, participants actively engaged in discussions and identified key areas for improvement within their businesses. The responses included:
- Addressing staff shortages and increasing staff productivity.
- Providing extra support for owner/operators.
- Obtaining education and cost-effective support in grant writing and seeking feedback to improve success rates.
- Enhancing operating systems and procedures within their businesses.
- Improving communications internally and externally.
- Organising more Chamber events to foster connection, support, and information sharing.
These conversations highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to equipping members with the tools and resources needed for success.
What could be one shared priority – that one big ticket item – that the region’s business community could work on and address by July 2025?
In contributing to the Vision for the Whitsundays project, attendees identified the big ticket items our region should focus on. Some of the key areas highlighted were:
- Rethinking how ‘population’ is defined in the region to include transient holidaymakers, and considering the impact this has on the community, especially health and emergency services.
- Prioritising health initiatives to address the significant number of Australians suffering from chronic pain, which directly affects staffing and productivity.
- Emphasising the region’s rich history and promoting arts and culture as a focal point.
- Advocating for the region’s ability to handle the projected increase in cruise ship visits, which is expected to bring a large influx of visitors to Airlie Beach.
- Urging the government and major corporations to understand the features and benefits of the region’s commerce and industry.
- Promoting the benefits of working in the region to school leavers and maximising the utilisation of the TAFE campus.
There was much discussion about building Proserpine as a vibrant community and business centre. It was agreed that Proserpine’s shopfronts and main street experience could be lifted and brought to a high and cohesive standard (similar to other towns that have created unique and interconnected main street precincts), and such collaboration would assist businesses to feel proud to work together and create something of great value.
Highlighting the recent merger between the Proserpine Chamber of Commerce and the Whitsundays Coast Chamber of Commerce, the network meeting underscored the power of unity and collaboration in amplifying the voice of local businesses.
The newly formed entity is committed to promoting the idea that businesses must stand together to have their voices heard. As a testament to this commitment, the Chamber will be organising a series of meetings and networking events exclusively designed to foster connections and create synergies among local business owners.
As the Chamber continues to execute its strategic plan, including rebranding efforts, enhanced education and membership services, improved communication channels, and a more influential voice, it invites the entire community to join and support our purpose.
By working together, the Whitsunday business community can thrive, achieve collective success, and contribute to the region’s overall prosperity.
Acknowledgements
The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt appreciation to Filby’s Motors for their generous support as the event sponsor. Their ongoing commitment to the community and the Chamber’s initiatives exemplifies their dedication to fostering a vibrant business environment.
The Chamber also thanks Whitsunday Bites and Pex Plants and Flowers for making the occasion very special.
Save the date!
The next Chamber event will be held 10am-12pm Wednesday 16 August in Proserpine.
Pop Up Chamber – a new initiative – will be an informal gathering of business owners and the Chamber team. Feel free to pop along, learn more about business in the region, get up-to-date on Chamber developments, share your view on regional business priorities, and grab a coffee.
The theme for this Pop Up Chamber is ‘Chamber membership: What’s in it for you?’
This event is free and open to all Chamber members and the broader Whitsundays community. There is no need to book, but you are welcome to register to let us know to you are planning to drop in.
Call for the region’s business community to get involved in the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival