Economic Development Committee
MEMBERS ANNOUNCED
Council recently invited nominations from interested business houses, and community representatives to serve on its Economic Development Committee for this term of Council.
The Economic Development Committee’s charter is to identify, explore and facilitate issues relating to the tourism, promotion and economic development of the region, ensuring the Gilgandra Region is a great place to Live > Enjoy > Grow!
Council received an overwhelming number of responses and support from local business and community members offering to be involved in the Economic Development Committee. Given the level of interest from a wide cross section of local businesses and community members, Council was pleased to invite all fourteen nominees to be a part of this committee.
General Manager David Neeves says,
“Council was pleasantly surprised by the number of local business and community representatives interested in being involved in this Committee. Those who have put up there hand to serve on the committee bring with them a great mix of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm and we are eager to collaborate with them on future projects and activations in the Gilgandra Region.”
Adding,
“I think the level of interest is in keeping with the positive vibe in the local business community, and confirms that businesses and the community members are keen to be involved and have their say in the many exciting economic development, and tourism opportunities on the horizon”.
The Economic Development Committee will comprise of several business houses and interested community representatives spanning across a range of different industries, from online, hospitality and retail to industrial.
The Economic Development Committee will consist of the following representatives
- Elizabeth McAllister – CBD retail, Central Stores
- Josh McKenna – Engineering industry, CWME
- Caitlynn King – CBD retail, Gil News & Gifts
- Claire Harvey – Online retail, Restyled by Claire
- Kate Banks – Online retail, By. Banks
- Danielle Bonnington – Online retail, Creative Sparrow Design
- Janelle Quilter – Tooraweenah Caravan Park
- Doug Clouten – CBD retail, Gil Hidden Treasures
- Daniel Robinson – Community and Gilgandra Pharmacy
- Hayden Whiteman – Community and MH Thomas
- Nick White – Community
- Inland Rail representative, currently Anna Howard
- Tracy Mellor – Gilgandra Caravan Park
- Liz White – CBD retail, new business – Old Bank
Caitlynn King, Gil News & Gifts owner, and Gilgandra Region Young Citizen of the Year 2022 says,
“As a business owner in the Gilgandra Region, being a part of the Economic Development Committee is a great opportunity for me to be involved and have my say in upcoming projects in the community. I am looking forward to working with other committee members to help promote and grow the Region, ensuring Gilgandra is a great place for people to live and visit.”
Councillors Gail Babbage, Amber Bunter and Ian Freeth will serve as Councils representatives on the Committee.
Councillor, Gail Babbage says,
“It is an exciting time for the Gilgandra region with a number of inter-generational activation projects including the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct and GIL Library hub being progressed. As a Council representative I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside inspiring local business operators and interested community members to implement the strategies outlined in the Regions Activation Blueprint. I look forward to the Economic Development Committee assisting Council with its future direction to achieve its strategic plans in the areas of economic development and tourism.”
