The NSW Business Chamber has launched its new campaign to help communities suffering from the impacts of bushfire and drought.
The campaign, Backing The Bush is a website where companies of all sizes can pledge their promise to hold a board, management or staff meeting in one of the impacted areas between now and the end of 2020.
The support from corporate Australia to the bushfire and drought relief efforts has been outstanding, and this initiative is the next step to sustain small businesses, and their staff, in these areas – especially during what is their quiet time.
While cash donations have been received with great thanks, the next practical move is for companies to hold meetings normally scheduled for Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong or interstate in one of these impacted towns.
This will help businesses of all sizes; from accommodation venues, to caterers, cleaners, newsagents and local restaurants and cafes – everyone in the town benefits.
Since we floated the idea among corporate Australia last week, dozens of companies such as QANTAS, KPMG, Deloitte, the National Rugby League, BlueScope and the University of Sydney have already signed the pledge.
Accordingly, the Board of the NSW Business Chamber has pledged to hold our May State Council meeting on the NSW South Coast – a two day event for more than 60 people.
So many of us in business have watched the crises unfold, feeling at times helpless, but now there is a practical and real way to assist these communities.
To help raise awareness of this campaign and to increase the business opportunities for the communities affected, the NSW Business Chamber is actively encouraging you, our members, to support the campaign by taking the pledge; using #BackingTheBush across your social channels when you pledge, and also when you hold your meetings.
Stephen Cartwright
Chief Executive Officer
NSW Business Chamber