Chris Dobney
A new-look committee has signed on at the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce following the recent exodus of president Carolyn Adams, vice-president Jeff Lovett, treasurer Greg Clark and committee member John Gray.
The new committee members are: Jo Milar, acting president; Mary O’Connor, acting vice president; Ishwinder Thind, treasurer; and executive committee members Ruth Ryan and Mark Perkins.
In a letter to members on behalf of the group, Ms Milar said, ‘We have an extremely motivated and cohesive team who are passionate about ensuring the Bangalow Chamber plays a vital and wide-ranging role in supporting and advocating for our business community.’
‘We are all equally disappointed with the sudden changes of the executive, and hold respect for all the years of hard work of the previous executive,’ the letter continued.
‘We were left saddened by not only the loss to the chamber, but the way it was communicated and the accusations raised.
‘We would like to first assure you the remaining executive feel we have continually acted in an honest and very fair manner and feel quite perplexed by the variety of rumours circulating.
‘You will be pleased to know we believe that the way forward will be to work in an open and inclusive manner with all members and stakeholders. We are already busy developing plans and ideas and look forward to ensuring we have an effective, inclusive and supportive chamber.
‘We will be clearly communicating and involving all our members as this evolves and welcome thoughts and also any urgent items that may need our attention,’ the letter read.
More progressive
According to a source, many chamber members were concerned with the direction the committee had been taking on a number of issues.
The contentious planned 20-acre food hub on the edge of town was the boiling point, which saw an Extraordinary General Meeting called last month and a vote taken where proxies were contested.
But the source, who is a prominent and longstanding Bangalow business person, said this was just the latest of a range of issues riling some members.
‘We were recently wined and dined at a special chamber function at the Ballina RSL, only to be confronted when we got there by a bunch of National Party speakers calling on us to support ending penalty rates,’ the source said.
‘That’s not the sort of chamber we need in Bangalow,’ the source added.
‘Bangalow is a progressive town and our Chamber of Commerce needs to reflect that.’
While I’m not a member, it is heartening to hear the Bangalow Chamber has reformed and will represent the business community of Bangalow. It seems obvious that supporting Bangalow’s businesses would go hand in hand with protecting the charm and character of the town. After all – it is this charm and character that attracts both visitors and locals to the town, into the little shops and cafes as well as enjoying our community markets.
Unfortunately Bangalow is facing enormous pressure from developers.
For Bangalow to rremain special – residents in town and in the greater Bangalow area — as well as our business community – will need to work together to fend off inappropriate development. Development that is oversized, out of character, destroys our open rural landscape or attracts more truck movements through the centre of town have no place in a vibrant Bangalow.
Congratulations to the new Chamber executive.
There’s more to this story than meets the eye… why would 4 members quit like that? I applaud the Acting President subduing the ‘brouhaha’ with a very well written letter, however, I’m not convinced, I believe there is an undermining of every single thing (potential developments) being presented to the community. From what I know in the 12 years I’ve lived here, its predominately the ex Sydney and ex Melbournites who don’t want what they see as ‘their village’ changed at all! What if the Bangalow A&I Hall hadn’t been renovated back in the 90’s because it cost too much money, was an eyesore, or too decrepit or whatever? What about if the fire, razing the corner buildings of Byron Street and Station Lane was never rebuilt because of ‘the haters’. That’s what I hear…. ‘haters of everything new or different’. Caught in a time warp. Ironically the very same person who vehemently rejected to the new building ended having a restaurant there! Certain community members like to hear the sound of their own voice, if they only opened their minds and truly listened to what others have to share and work together as a true community. People bang on about (excuse the pun) the Bangalow community and yes its great in many ways, I call it my community, but many of those on committees are not representing everyone, they think they are, but for the most part, they’re in it for their own interest.. not everyone, but a lot of ego and narcissistic behaviour is being played out. Just like in the playground at school. One would hope adult behaviour is just that, but not in these scenarios. Shame Bangalow Shame! Pull your pretentious heads in!