News

Earlier this year, the Macleay Valley Business Chamber highlighted the growing flood insurance crisis affecting businesses and homeowners across our region, following advocacy efforts led by Chamber committee member Gary Scott. We explored the escalating cost of insurance and the urgent need for government and industry to address the pressures facing regional communities like the Macleay Valley. Last Wednesday served as a quiet but powerful reminder of why this issue matters. Attendees from the yearly NRL League Stars Challenge - Gala Day stopped at the The HalfWay Shop on Belgrave Street, which quietly reopened its doors today after being closed since the May 2025 floods. For many sporting teams and locals, it’s a familiar place. But its reopening represents something much bigger — the resilience of small businesses that have…

Written by Tara Howard – MVBC Treasurer “Clubs always need volunteers” – Ben Bailey, Masons Eyecare An anecdote often shared between volunteers is ‘if you want something done, give it to a busy person.’ When you take a look around our business community, you’ll find people juggling multiple ‘hats’ in addition to work, family and life in general. One such juggler is Ben Bailey.  Ben joined Masons Eyecare in 1999 and, in 2006, purchased the business alongside optical dispenser Eddie Moore. 20 years later, Ben still enjoys building those customer relationships unique to small town, privately owned and operated businesses, while also bringing leading optical care and top-of-the-line lenses and frames to Kempsey. In January, Ben was nominated for not one, but two Australia Day Awards. For someone who has…

If you’ve driven past the Old Cheese Factory lately and wondered what’s changed — the answer is: quite a lot. In 2026, The Garden Bar owners Meg and Tom stepped into management of the historic site and launched the Old Cheese Factory Collective — bringing together eight local businesses under one roof while carefully preserving the character and heritage of the building. We connected with Meg to talk about family, community, the behind-the-scenes work, and what this new chapter really means for Frederickton and the wider Macleay Valley. Can you tell us a little about your family and how The Garden Bar and the Old Cheese Factory became part of your journey? Our family has always had strong ties to the Macleay Valley, and hospitality has been something we’ve been…

5 Conversation Openers That Actually Work at Business Events Let’s be honest. Most people don’t hate networking.They hate the awkward first 30 seconds. Standing there. Name tag on. Drink in hand.Scanning the room like you’re looking for a lost relative. But here’s the truth:The Chamber doesn’t exist just to run events.It exists to make those rooms valuable. The right conversation can lead to: A referral A collaboration A new supplier A solution to a problem you didn’t know someone else had already solved So here are five conversation starters that actually work — especially in regional business communities like ours. 1. “What’s been keeping you busy lately?” Simple. Open. Non-threatening. It invites story, not a rehearsed elevator pitch.And it tells you immediately what matters to them right now. 2. “How…

Kempsey Shire Council Business Breakfast – 21 January 2026 On Tuesday 21 January, four members of the Macleay Valley Business Chamber committee attended the Kempsey Shire Council Business Breakfast, representing our members and the wider business community. The breakfast provided an important opportunity to hear directly from Council’s executive and senior staff about current challenges, planned improvements, and major projects that will shape development, infrastructure, and economic growth across the Macleay Valley. Below is a summary of the key takeaways most relevant to local businesses. Leadership, Direction and Council Priorities Council’s new CEO, Andrew Meddle, opened the session by outlining his professional background and his focus for Kempsey Shire moving forward. His stated priorities centre on three core themes: Employer of choice – improving Council’s ability to attract and retain…

Local businesses and homeowners in the Macleay Valley are no strangers to soaring insurance premiums—but thanks to the work of Gary Scott and the Macleay Valley Business Chamber, the issue is finally gaining traction at the state level. Gary, a long-serving advocate for the region and member-elected representative on the NSW Business Chamber State Council, has been working tirelessly to bring awareness to the crippling costs of insurance in flood-prone areas like the Macleay. In August, Gary secured an opportunity to address the NSW Business Chamber on the matter of flood insurance. “I got 100% support,” he reported following the meeting. “ I got in the ear of Mark Speakman, Opposition Leader, so now the work begins.” Gary’s intervention was not only welcomed but has also set in motion further…

Your Business Plan: Not Just for Start-Ups When most people think of a business plan, they picture a brand-new start-up, piecing together goals and projections to secure funding or guide early decisions. But here’s the truth: a business plan isn’t just a tool for launching a business — it’s a vital document that should evolve with your business over time. Whether you're just getting started or have been operating for years, your business plan is a living strategy that deserves regular attention. Why Revisit Your Business Plan? Just like your business grows, shifts, and adapts to challenges, your business plan should too. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth revisiting regularly: To reflect changes in directionYour goals, services, or ideal customer might have changed since you first opened your…

Macleay Valley Business Chamber Leads Collaborative Effort to Enhance CBD Security The Macleay Valley Business Chamber has been actively addressing the security concerns of local businesses in the Kempsey CBD. Recognising the importance of a safe environment for both commerce and community, the Chamber has engaged in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including local law enforcement, Mayor Kinne Ring, General Manager Michael Jackson, and Member of Parliament Michael Kemp. These discussions have been instrumental in identifying and resolving issues related to the aging CCTV infrastructure in the CBD. A significant maintenance project undertaken in late March has improved the network's reliability, with only two cameras currently offline due to external factors. The Chamber continues to advocate for further enhancements to ensure comprehensive surveillance coverage.​ The Chamber's proactive approach underscores its…

Catch up on the latest Chamber news in the November Newsletter!  Read here: November Newsletter