Tuesday 4th March 2008
Headlands Hotel, Austinmer

Meeting opened 7.40pm

Attendees: Pauline Smith, Scott Smith, Greg Watts, , Andrew Sheath, Nikki Shafer, John & Tracey Noonan, Ronda Collins, Kayleen Prendergast, Barbara Allen, Megan Moane, Lynda Starkey, Neil & Lesley Craddock, J Radnidge, Curt Warren, Quentin Field, Leila Visser, W Eyles, Michelle Bouvere, B Neil, Ida Lewis, Michelle Culbert.

President
Welcomed Guest Speakers – Heath Rhind ( Police) & Ambience (Eco initiative presentation).

Dick Bradley from IACC – invitation to Wollongong Small Business Club 1/4/2008 Federal Minister Craig Emerson will be addressing meeting. Dick suggested providing a bus for NICC members.
Suggestion made to look at changing day of monthly meeting down track. Information to be provided prior to next meeting – members to discuss and put suggested days forward.

K Prendergast officially stood down as Minutes Secretary
Nominations called for – Pauline nominated Leila Vissa, Barbara Allen 2nd.

Heath Rhind Presentation
Heath is Supervisor at Helensburgh Station. Four staff in total cover Northern area and are attached to Wollongong, Austinmer and Helensburgh Stations. Patrols from Bulli Pass to National Park.
Crime Issues – low rate in Break and Enter Statistics for January as follows:

32 Wollongong
3 Helensburgh
6 Thirroul
4 Austinmer
0 Stanwell Park

Police have issue with small communities in that people don’t want to report incidents, fear appearing in Court yet unhappy when crimes go unpunished.
Importance of reporting everything re-enforced. The Police are continually updating intel on known individuals and families but need community support, most offenders live in the area.

Member questions
Q. Minors committing crimes – what can be done?
A. Depending on Family situation, minor is mentored by Police Youth Liason Officers and
initially cautioned, failing to attend police station can see them charged.
“Bad” kids can be arrested but magistrates not happy to convict in court. Sexual or serious
in nature crimes ie. Aggravated assault, go straight before a magistrate.

Q. Have crime increased?
A. Dramatically decreased – High risk offenders are targeted until they are locked up or
stopped. Mobile phones assisting police with quicker response.

Standard Patrols are backed up by Highway Patrol, patrol areas and times are based on statistics ie. Complaints from residents, parking and other issues. Can’t always guarantee immediate response – jobs need to be prioritised.
Main concern in are is juveniles with alcohol on weekends.
The Police try to have a face around some local business and are passionate about the area and try their best to reduce crime, be approachable and do what they can within their control.

Ambience Presentation – John Noonan
Advised on principles developed to guide businesses. At Ambience they have reduced carbon footprint by using less power – switching off appliances at night. Made switch from Hallogen to LCD lights to reduce power consumption and replacement costs. All electricity from wind power source. Mail-outs now done via email, saving paper. Several ideas and information given on how easy it is to establish and reduce omissions and costs.

Secretary
Correspondence sent to RTA Wollongong to determine ownership of 4 signs – Symbio, Bald Hill, Pepies, Stanwell Park Kiosk. Verbal reply from RTA advised Symbio & Bald Hill owned by Tourism Wollongong, others Wollongong Council – Pepies is the priority.
Correspondence sent to TW regarding proposed Tourist Trail.
No membership correspondence.
Member Directory update – 90% completed just design to be finalised, ready for printing end March. Thanks to Scott Smith for efforts on Map.

Treasurer
Nil report.

Media
Coverage in February – more in March. Website being upgraded – updated with overview of Chmabers Strategic Plan. Information on Executives to be placed on Website.

Membership
Some interest in becoming members but no applications received.
New member – Michelle from LJ Hooker at Woonona.

Web Master
Website business members to be categorised as opposed to listed alphabetically.
Member confusion between NICC & NIO (Scott’s Business).
Scott recommended an external designer be brought in, looking at current chamber member.
Still happy to provide free service to chamber.

Meetings
Thanks for badges!
Cocktail Party 11/04/2008 Fireworks Café at Austinmer, information on website under events page – minibus from Helensburgh .
NICC Ball 07/11/2008
Xmas in July – Friday night date to be finalised

Focus Group Update
Tourist trails – working on content next stage to prepare a draft. Sourcing other graphic designer to assist. Member suggested a rail trail – visit regions via train.

General Business
Quentin Field and Warren Windsports to do presentation in May.
Curt from Warren Windsports advised Lawrence Hargrave Committee looking for members first meeting 6/04/2008 at 4pm.
20/03/2008 Council Meeting at 5.30pm re Bald Hill and Stanwell Park Development Plan.

Meeting Closed 10.20pm