The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Tuesday 1st July 2003
Centennial Hotel, Helensburgh
Meeting commenced at 7.50pm

Present: Bob Proudfoot, Jo-Anne Fahey, Rob Lisk, Les Gilleard, Scott Smith, Pia Angelucci, Andrew Bergmann, Grayam Page, John Greenwood, John Cranston, Pat Cranston, Gail and Ken Green, Gail and Mike Brennan, Charmaine Young, Libby Cross, Joye and Narelle Nelson, Coleen and Barry Ahern, Mike Tribe, Paul Taylor, Kay Taylor, Darryl Bromley, Fran Grover, John Vander, Frances Vander, Janice Kelly.
Apologies: Fiona and Peter Hunt, Lorraine Morgan, Leila Visser, Ludwig and Ute Roder.

Darryl Bromley, president: Darryl opened the meeting with an exhortation to notify meeting attendance plans prior to day of meeting for catering purposes.

The subject of Alan Richard Bond’s critical (if not libellous) letters being regularly published in the Helensburgh News was now brought up and discussed re their implications for the reputation of the NICC; it was suggested that the editor of the publication be approached and asked to show a little more editorial responsibility in her choice of material to be used.

Regarding the Lawrence Hargrave Drive closures, Paul Taylor was invited to give an update on dealings with RTA. He reported a) That there had as yet been no response from David Campbell to a request for an appointment with him to discuss this serious matter. b) That Geoff Style, RTA, had finally returned his call(s) and wished to come up to newsagency on Thursday afternoon 3-07-03 to discuss the latest developments. Paul invited any interested persons to come along at 1pm on Thursday to join in. c) That Wollongong Tourism and Illawarra Business Chamber are also trying (unsuccessfully so far) to make contact with David Cambbell; have only been able to find out that something is in the pipeline; wish to have discussions on change of electronic signage at the very least (to portray a more positive aspect rather than the negative "…Closed…."). All agreed that Campbell is keeping very quiet on the whole matter.

Introduction of discussion on a Logo for the Chamber: President invited members to come along to next meeting with ideas, suggestions etc.

Treasurer’s Report: See at end of minutes.

Fund-raising matters: Mike Brennan invited to bring members up to date with these.
a) Trivia Night (19th July at Stanwell Park Surf Club - $15 per head incl 2 course meal). We need to organize tables of up to eight, or book as a single or couple or with another couple etc.to be incorporated into a table group. Faxes sent to most members. Paul Taylor willing to collect money from people wishing to pay in advance. Prizes needed – offers or suggestions.
b) Black and White Cocktail Party. 200 tickets @ $50 should net about $4000 after expenses and with raffle income of about $1000.

Membership: John Vander reported that Fees now due; at $60, no increase this year.
Have lost a few with closure of businesses. Noted that membership is not conditional on ownership of a business in the area (still $60 fee).

Northern Illawarra Online: Scott Smith reported positive progess in June – Helensburgh online – around 400 visits to site. Stanwell Park online as of 1st July. Has maintained relationships with local media. Looking for funding from DSARD (not much luck) and has also approached David Campbell, but no joy. Funds needed to maintain: at basic level of site visibility, $500 in first year (i.e. accessible to anyone typing any word with relevance to area) up to upper bracket, $3000 or so (high/first spot on search engine). Has spent about $500 personally to get website up to scratch. Sees site as valuable recruitment tool for Chamber. Suggests matching Chamber $ for $ for ongoing continuation of site.
President suggested issues for NICC to consider: what exactly is "in it" for the Chamber when all businesses, members or not, have a free listing?; our intended co-ordinator will have a role in working with Scott; a more controlled approach to the site is needed; of the $500 set aside for website, half was spent for registration of name and for some other web services; rest of work at Scott’s own expense; Chamber had initially decided to have NICC website – Northern Illawarra Online much bigger than what was originally intended.
Scott offered to give a written report explaining all aspects of the matter, for members to consider; this should be workshopped and discussed at next meeting.
Various points of view were then put forward by members, and it was finally agreed that Scott should prepare a written proposal to be discussed at next meeting. Scott stated he can maintain the site at a basic level of success without further funds, but will propose that there is potential for much greater level of success.

Other Business
Pat Cranston: a) requested Guest Speaker to be noted on invitations to meetings. b)informed that walking tracks on Bulli Pass and Sublime Point have been closed for repairs by NPWS –maybe permanently; believes that NPWS hidden agenda is to close the businesses as well; there is a 14th July deadline for submissions requesting reopening; Pat requested that the Chamber submit such a request, on the basis that the tracks bring people into the area, are totally accessible, and have nothing too much wrong with them, apart from needing more regular maintenance. Chamber agreed to make submission.
Bob Proudfoot moved that Chamber write to David Campbell expressing disappointment and demanding restoration of previous rights of access to tracks, and also moved that the press be notified of this letter to Campbell. Bob agreed to draft these.
Mike Tribe: Requested letter to Council re parking problem with BiLo construction. Various aspects of this were discussed including changing 1H to 1/2H parking on permanent basis, asking Club to address employees parking in street all day, surveying businesses re parking needs etc. It was agreed that the Chamber would write to Council concerning these matters, and in fact demanding that footpath be given back to the people if it has not been leased by the developer; immediate parking problems must be addressed, and a long-term plan needs to be formulated.
Bob Proudfoot : Re LHD closures, Chamber needs to take political position. Must press for allocation of funds for continuing remediation work – lobby Scully, Campbell, Mcleay. Press statements (WIN etc.) demanding more money be budgeted for this. Agreed by meeting that Bob Proudfoot be empowered to act for Chamber in this regard.

Les Gilleard: Noted Informal Planning Meeting set for 8th July re Tumbling Waters application for restaurant development and extension of operating hours. Requested Chamber to write letter of support, on the basis that this is a business which brings more business to area.
Lively discussion ensued canvassing different viewpoints relating to various aspects of this matter. A vote was taken to determine members’ support for this action; majority voted in favour. Darryl Bromley to write letter supporting the general principle that local businesses be encouraged to improve and enhance their facilities for the benefit of the area.

Jo-Anne Fahey: reported on Tourism Wollongong Board meeting. Positive things about to happen; TW voted one of 12 top regional tourism associations; Greg Binskin appointed as CEO for another year; much promotion into Chinese and Asian sector, with group visitation looking positive as SARS recedes; plenty of talk about our area in Chinese brochures etc.; W’gong Council to dress up welcome sign at Waterfall during Rugby World Cup; assistance being offered to develop "disabled friendly" businesses; hot linking of TW’s website to members’ individual sites; additional funding to house Illawarra Tourism in TW’s offices; generic brochures produced by TW showcasing our area. Come to meetings! get on to sub-committees!

Libby Cross: Lions Club Fair – Charles Harper Park 25th/26th October 2003. Raffle prize donations gratefully accepted.

Meeting closed approximately 10pm.
Next meeting: Sublime Point, 5th August.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance 31/5/03 $16,472.34
June Receipts $872; June Payments $1715
Balance 30/06/03 $15,629.34