What an awesome way to kick off 2016!… here’s to more exciting times ahead for the community and businesses in the “Northern Illawarra”!

An amazing energy in the room last night at Red Nectar restaurant. Here’s our Chief presenting all our good news, events and activity: i.e. Meetings changes | Our on-line presence | Internet connectivity and speed | Branding and building linkages + Tourism and Community initiatives. Feel free to email us if you’d some more info: membership@nicc.net.au // Next Meeting Date is 5 April.

Just in: a photo from this morning’s cheque presentation in Wollongong. Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce received a $6,170 grant for the installation of two automated defibrillators – one to be placed at Helensburgh Library and one at Thirroul and District Community Centre. Pictured are NICC president Greg Watts (Helensburgh Post Office) and NICC deputy Tanya Parry (SwitchedOnMechanical), with Mark Warren from Southern Phones (on left) and Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM (right). Well done to Greg and Tanya, who worked hard on the grant application. Great job, NICC! Five community groups in Wollongong City will share in a $25,000 grant provided by telecommunications provider Southern Phone. Project Contemporary Artspace ($10,000), Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce ($6200) to purchase two automated defibrillators, Corrimal and Dapto’s Chamber of Commerce both received $3100 to install one automatic defibrillator each and Bellambi Surf Club ($2600) www.illawarramercury.com.au

Last night was a successful illustration of members showcasing their businesses and small business initiatives. Thank you to Marcus Craft of 2508mag and 2515mag, Venesser Oakes of Pepper’s Gardens, Darren Wrigley of Live NOW Consultancy & Tanya Parry of Switched On Mechanical for presenting. Congratulations to Nicole Curkoski of Coastal Insurance Services, our lucky door prize winner of the HP Wireless Speaker valued at $249 – kindly donated by Stanwell Tops Technical Services. Save the date… our next NICC meeting is on Tuesday 3 May 2016 at Thirroul. Details TBA in due course.

Outside Space / Landscape construction business servicing Northern Illawarra and surrounds. Specialising in gardens / landscaping of quality and difference.  Member of LNA – Master Landscapers Association. Contact: Greg Soster Open: by appointment Business: 8 / 21 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh, NSW, 2508 Mail: PO Box 3105, Austinmer, NSW, 2515 Phone: 0410 583 053 admin@outsidespace.com.au | www.outsidespace.com.au IGA Thirroul / Local family owned and run supermarket. Stocking the freshest deli and produce lines along with a huge range of groceries and fine foods. Contact: David Hoade Open: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10:00pm Sat and Sun 6:30am-9:00pm 275 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515 Phone: 02 4267 4833 Fax: 02 4268 2176 dhoade@igathirroul.com.au | http://www.igathirroul.com.au/ Green Street Lawns & Gardens / Lawn and garden maintenance, garden renovations, turfing and large scale mowing (paddocks, vacant blocks, etc). Contact: Dave Brittain Open: Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:00pm 99 Walker St, Helensburgh, NSW, 2508 Phone: 0410 689 198 dave@greenstreetgardens.com.au | www.greenstreetgardens.com.au/ AcuFit / A distributor of essential oils (Young Living EO) in conjunction with offering acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Focusing on the rehabilitation of injuries and treating pain.  We offer lifestyle and nutritional advice to get you back to your best self. Contact: Eamon O’Connor Open: Mon-Fri 9:00am-7:00pm//Sat 9:00am-3:00pm Business: 2 Raymond Rd, Thirroul, NSW, 2515 Mail: P O Box 917, Thirroul, NSW, 2515 Phone: 0400 414 521 eamon@acu-fit.com.au | www.acu-fit.com.au