I RECENTLY had the pleasure of attending the opening of a business initiative that is G-sphere.

G-sphere is a co-working space that, for a fee, provides offices and working spaces for the short to medium term.
This is at Coffs Central.

Services provided include front desk, videoconferencing, printing, and scanning, 24/7 access and much more, all within an ultramodern environment.

This is the service provided by only the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated of cities and speaks to how our city is evolving at a fast pace.

We are attracting some incredibly talented and entrepreneurial people.

In this instance Gowings are the driving influencers.

Gowings are one of those iconic, pioneering Australian families up there with the familiar names of Arnott’s, Fairfax and Myer.

Gowings have recently acquired another iconic brand being Avery fishing reels, adding to many interests ranging from oyster farming to land development and shopping centres.

Gowings have chosen to make Coffs Harbour their head office, convinced they can continue to grow and thrive from Coffs Harbour.

At the opening I was fortunate to meet some of the young, smart, and enthusiastic staff that have relocated themselves and their families into our community.

They are real assets to our city.

Part of the business interests of Gowings include ownership of the world’s largest surf hardware manufacturing business, and a new industrial facility will soon be developed at Woolgoolga as part of the world headquarters.

The Gowings family business interests are broad, and it is a glowing endorsement for the City that they have chosen to make Coffs Harbour their home, bringing with them an exciting knowledge base and, from my observations, a generous and strong social conscience through their philanthropic endeavours.

Thank you to John Gowing and family, and all our big city “escapees” for the faith and the commitment you are showing to the future of our city.

Thank you to all the new arrivals to our City and it is our hope that we can give you more of what you value in life, whatever that may be.

Mayor’s hot tip

Spring has well and truly sprung and if you have not been to our award-winning North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, please take the walk through, you will have discovered one of our hidden gems!

By Paul AMOS, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor