Dollars for Dignity
The Hawkesbury City Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit association which represents the Hawkesbury ’ s Business & Industrial Communities . We aim to provide opportunities for our local business owners to meet and share their ideas in a friendly atmosphere of like minded people . We also seek to represent to local , state and federal governments the issues affecting businesses in the Hawkesbury .
Virtual Town Hall Meeting with NSW Ministers to discuss COVID-19 lockdown and assistance for business
Robyn Preston , State Member for Hawkesbury , convened a virtual “ Town Hall ” meeting which brought together Damian Tudehope , Minister for Finance and Small Business and Victor Dominello , Minister for Customer Service and Minister for Digitaland Chris Lamont , Small Business Commissioner . The purpose of the meeting was to hear from the Ministers on issues affecting businesses during the COVID-19 lockdown and getting assistance from the NSW Government . Many local business owners participated and had the opportunity to directly ask the Ministers questions relating to real issues facing the Hawkesbury community . Many Chamber members also joined the meeting .
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Aaron Biega - The Business Badger Specialising in the Franchise industry , The Business Badger connects the Franchisor with the Franchisee ’ s through relationship management and coupling that with individual needs of businesses particularly in food and retail services . Aaron has a passion for the Hawkesbury and its business owners in particular . He looks forward to strengthening the trading potential of the region and enjoys weekends camping and boating with his family on the mighty Hawkesbury . Aaron is also Mental Health First Aid Certified . Check out https :// www . thebusinessbadger . co /
Rachael Stewart – Tungsten Insurance Pty Ltd Tungsten Insurance Pty Ltd is an Insurance Broker and Risk Management Company and is part of the Steadfast Group , the largest insurance broker network in Australia and New Zealand . Rachael is an experienced insurance broker with a passion to help both domestic and commercial clients find the best coverage for their risks . She started with the insurance industry 6 years ago and has enjoyed all the challenges involved with building her own business . Rachael loves being able to assist her clients with their businesses and see them grow from strength to strength . Find out more https :// www . tungsteninsurance . com . au /
Building relationships between local Indigenous businesses
Rob Mc Master , Executive Committee member , became aware of a network of Indigenous businesses called “ Black Coffee ”. Originating in Queensland , the goal is to provide a platform to connect Indigenous micro and small business owners around Australia , through local groups . Rob thought there might be interest in having a group formed in our local area , so we have partnered with Merana Aboriginal Community Association in Richmond to explore whether there is any local interest . To find out more , contact membership @ hawkesburychamber . com . au .
A welcome back to real “ in person ” meetings and events – save the dates !
As the COVID-19 restrictions ease , we are looking forward to seeing everyone again – in person , rather than on a screen !
We hope ( subject to COVID restrictions ) our first event back will be an “ After 5 ” event on Wednesday 3rd November from 5.30pm – venue yet to be confirmed .
Our Annual General Meeting which will be held as part of our scheduled Breakfast meeting on Thursday 18th November from 7.00am at the Crowne Plaza , Hawkesbury Valley Way . This will be FREE for members – more info will be circulated soon .
The Christmas Party will finish the year for us on Wednesday 1st December , at The Richmond Club .
Remember , visitors and guests are always welcome at any of our events . For more information email hawkesburychamber . com . au or call 0400 493 749 .
Times like these – why not become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce ?
The COVID pandemic has made many people more aware of the importance of keeping in touch with others , particularly in the local area . Whether you run a local business or just have an interest in what ’ s happening with business in the Hawkesbury , we always welcome new members . It ’ s a great way to meet others and find out about things affecting our local area . To find out more about joining the Chamber check out the website at www . hawkesburychamber . com . au or email membership @ hawkesburychamber . com . au or phone 0400 493 749 .
The Hawkesbury Independent is a proud member and supporter of the Hawkesbury City Chamber of Commerce
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campaign delivers
with Suzanne Lawrence , President Riverstone , Schofields & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc .
The inaugural Dollars for Dignity $ 10 weekend fundraising drive has been an overwhelming success , raising an incredible $ 35,000 and smashing expectations .
The money raised from Dollars for Dignity is for the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre ’ s Emergency Relief Fund and every cent donated goes to providing support for people in crisis in the northern region of Blacktown LGA – one of the areas of concern during the current Covid-19 outbreak in NSW .
The largest single donation came from the Riverstone-Schofields Memorial Club who donated a staggering $ 20,000 to the campaign , despite being closed for months due to lockdown restrictions .
Mark Sheridan is CEO of Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club , and commented ,
“ The board and management are very pleased to provide financial support to ensure the ongoing Emergency Relief Fund is delivered into the community where it is needed most through the Dollars for Dignity initiative undertaken by Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre and its many supporters .”
Amongst the other notable donations from businesses were $ 1,000 donations from Market Country Meats and Windsor Fresh Meats , Fuller Cranes , Merc Capital Group and Doolan Plumbing , with many others pitching in $ 500 amounts .
Local sporting groups helped with cash and donations in kind . There were also a couple of community members who personally donated $ 500 each .
Dollars for Dignity was started for two reasons . Firstly , to collect enough funding to sustain emergency relief as we approach the Christmas period , and secondly , to raise awareness of the services Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre provides for our community , whether they are new to the area or struggling under the weight of lockdowns .
The Dollars for Dignity website is continuing to accept donations .
“ Our Dollars for Dignity campaign has been incredible . I want to extend our heartfelt ‘ Thank you ’ to everyone that has given , both financially and with donations in kind ,” said Angela Van Dyke , CEO of Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre .
“ Our approach with emergency relief is always to provide dignity of choice and ensure people do not feel like a “ charity case ”.
“ I have been amazed at the endless generosity of our community to give in times of need .
“ No one chooses to face a financial crisis , but we can choose to reach out for help , and we can choose to support people in need in practical ways . Our Dollars for Dignity campaign allows all of us to make an important contribution , no matter how small .”
Dollars for Dignity $ 10 weekend was an initiative of The Riverstone , Schofields and Districts Chamber of Commerce .
“ When the second wave of COVID hit us , a lot of our businesses started struggling . We have got a very big asset in the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre and thankfully they are there to help our community and our businesses during tough times ,” said Sue Lawrence , President of the Riverstone , Schofields and Districts Chamber of Commerce .
“ We ’ ve been thinking about how we can help our members and our community . Because really , our businesses are only as strong as the community around them . My community is our community .
“ The target of $ 10,000 will last for around six weeks - every dollar above that means people in our community can receive the help they need leading into the Christmas period .
“ During the lockdown period , from the end of June to September 2021 , Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre received more a 300 per cent increase in calls for help .
“ Due to the generosity of the businesses and individuals across Sydney we know the centre can continue to provide for our community , which has been hit particularly hard this year .”
Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre is a registered charity , with all donations over $ 2 tax deductible .
20 ISSUE 137 // OCTOBER 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT