What a whirlwind month it has been. Just as we, like many others, were in the midst of confirming dates for events and getting things back to a new normal, COVID has reared its head once again. The Chamber was so excited to have you all attend our Business Hub and Office launch on the 15th of July, however, due to the current evolving COVID situation, we have postponed for the time being. But rest assured, we will be rescheduling as soon as we can. We know our community is resilient and we will all get through once again, as difficult and painful as it may be. We thank you for your understanding.
June Breakfast
The Scone Chamber’s June Breakfast was a wonderful success, with a full-house of networking and eating delicious house-made egg and bacon rolls at The Cottage, Scone.
Special guest, newly appointed member for the Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, presented and discussed local issues with our members and business community. Dave made a special emphasis on saying he is committed to talking with community members and stakeholders first and foremost to truly understand local issues so he can become the best advocate for The Upper Hunter region. He is obviously happy to be off the election rollercoaster but says he knows his job ahead is going to be even more challenging, taking a lot of hard work and determination.
The topic of ‘trust’ was also a prominent discussion point from those asking questions; in which Dave talked about his personal values and communicated confidence that through displaying ongoing honesty and integrity, trust can be regained – values which he says he lives by and is why his reputation in the construction industry has been so positive.
As your Chamber, we are committed to maintaining a strong and positive relationship with Dave and his team and be a conduit for local businesses on local issues, continually having open and honest conversations around what our local area cares about and needs.
The Office
Some progress shots of our office space and soon to launch Business Hub. While it’s only a small space, it is the start of something we feel is very exciting for our Chamber and business community.
Final Horse Festival Celebration for 2021
We are proud to be in a place where community spirit runs so deep. The 40th Horse Festival came to a close with the NEIGH-bour Art competition presentation on 9 June – as winners and runners up collected their ribbons while also celebrating the unveiling of ‘The Grazing Stallion’ artwork by local artist Mark Rae – commissioned by The Thoroughbred. Thanks to everyone involved! It’s been wonderful. Until next year.
Covid Update
Funding for Small Business
The NSW Government recently announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help tens of thousands of small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.
The package includes grants of between $5000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, an extension of the Dine & Discover program to 31 August and the ability for people to use Dine & Discover vouchers for takeaway delivered directly to their home by the venue itself.
More information will be available on the NSW Government website Shortly.
Check-In Mandates
The NSW government has announced that QR codes will become mandatory in workplaces across the state. From July 12, people will be required to sign in at all workplaces, including offices, factories and worksites, as well as gyms, supermarkets, shops and shopping centres.
General Information
As a business or service provider, it is important to stay up to date with your specific obligations. COVID Safety Plans and obligations can be found here and up to date information on general restrictions across regional and rural NSW here.
At the Chamber, we have strong relationships with Service NSW and can connect you with the support you need. Please get in touch if this is something we can help you with.
Update on Memberships and Benefits
Website Listing Updates
We are currently in the process of reviewing our online member database and listings and would like your assistance.
You can find your listing simply by searching our Directory.
If you are a member of the Chamber and would like your online listing reviewed and updated, please let us know at info@sconechamber.com.au
Having your business listed on our website is of huge benefit to our members. Not only does it help to give businesses visibility as well as a sense of a connected business community, more specifically, the online marketing benefits from being linked to a website that has historic online rankings due to affiliations and backlinks from large media, government and corporate organisations, are instantly passed on to businesses listed on our site. In simple terms, whoever is listed on our website gains greater visibility on search engines and online generally. Be sure to review your listing today to get the most out of this benefit. If you aren’t a member yet, please get in touch or apply for your membership on our website.
Membership Renewals
Membership renewals are coming up soon. We are working on an online payment system to make things simpler for our members. Keep an eye out on your inboxes.
THE HUNTER WHOLEFOODS – TIME TO PASS ON THE BATTON
After almost 3 years the time has come for Elaine to pass the baton to someone else. Elaine is ready for a new direction in life and feels it’s time to let someone else with the drive and passion move a small business forward and into the future.
BECOME A MEMBER
The Scone Chamber relies on memberships to exist. By becoming a member, you are helping a local organisation support local business. Chamber memberships also help to build a strong and connected local business community – whereby we are all working together. Membership is only $99 per year and comes with an array of Member benefits, where our members always come first.