Mayoral Forum Sets the Scene for Business in the Bellingen Shire Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 16, 2022 Nathan Pratt from NDP Economic Development and the forum panel: Urunga Chamber President Rod McPherson, Dorrigo Chamber President Promise Holz, Bellingen Chamber President Libby Park, Kellon Beard, Regional Manager, Business NSW and Jillian Fryer, Deputy Director Regional NSW. BELLINGEN Shire Mayor Steve Allan hosted a forum for members of the Bellingen Shire business community on Thursday 9 June, which saw approximately 60 people attend from Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga. On the back of recent engagement and feedback from the business community, the Mayor responded to the need for businesses in the Shire to feel heard and supported. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The Forum was focused on bringing businesses together to strengthen relationships and work out how Council and business can better work together to see improved economic outcomes for the Shire given the challenges of the last few years. A key focus of the Forum was on the new Economic Development and Tourism Plan. Presented by Nathan Pratt from NDP Economic Development, the plan highlights the challenges and opportunities for business, presents emerging strategic themes and identifies some potential actions. Presentations were also provided by Dr Kim Houghton, Chief Economist at the Regional Australia Institute, who talked about the importance of collaboration and the ‘liveability package’ to help combat the issue of competing for talent. Members of the three Shire Business Chambers also spoke about their intentions to have greater collaboration. The Forum ended with a panel discussion facilitated by Regional Development Australia’s Kerry Grace, that included the three Chamber presidents, Nathan Pratt, Business NSW’s Regional Manager Kellon Beard, and Jillian Fryer, the Deputy Director of Regional Development, North Coast at Department of Regional NSW. Mayor Steve Allan, was extremely pleased with how the Forum was received. “The Forum was a great way to restart our conversation with businesses,” he said. “Businesses are a key part of any regional community’s fabric and Council is committed to working with business to ensure our communities remain economically viable and grow,” said the Mayor. By Andrea FERRARI NEWS_Bellingen_Business_Forum_AF_PY2 Bellingen Business Forum well attended by interested locals. NEWS_Bellingen_Business_Forum_AF_PY3 Nathan Pratt presents the Economic Development and Tourism Plan.
