Last Thursday evening the Bowraville Chamber of Commerce held a meet and greet event for the community to welcome in the new year. It was an opportunity for the community to put forward their ideas and concerns for the town so Chamber could facilitate on their behalf, to council.
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With a brand new committee and the theme of positivity, Bowraville's Chamber of Commerce invited residents to share their ideas at a gathering on February 7.
Newly elected president, Gay Larkin, said it was pleasing to see the so many people coming out to support the night.
"The survival of small regional towns is challenging and Bowraville is no exception," Gay said.
"Businesses have gradually closed over the years as people travelling further to do their shopping, go to school or whatever they need to do and of course work.
"It's a Catch 22 - with no local work available, the small town is not supported. The health and wellbeing of our community depends on supporting local and adapting to change."
To this end, the Chamber is encouraging residents to join the group - individuals who pay full membership ($40 pa) have full voting rights and a reduced membership ($10 pa) guarantees you are kept abreast of meetings and outcomes … and of course you are welcome to attend meetings.
The timber industry and their employees have not been overlooked in these plans
- Karly Lane on GKNP plans
Secretary Karly Lane said being a member did not mean you had to be involved in everything.
"You may find just one thing that takes your interest … small contributions of time from many add up for the betterment of Bowraville and we will be able to achieve our goals," Karly said.
On Saturday from 3pm the Chamber is hosting a town meeting at Bowraville Theatre for The Great Koala National Park committee to launch their proposed recreational walking, 4WD, trail, mountain bike, and horse riding trails concept.
Related: The GKNP project in perspective
And more: The Great Koala National Park debate
Karly said that "coming from a timber-industry family background I was wary at first, however after listening to the whole presentation, which includes some really exciting opportunities for starting up new businesses and the potential tourism and economic growth for the whole Valley, I can see some really promising prospects coming out of it."
"It’s actually a chance for Bowraville to grab hold of this idea and realise some great new business concepts."
Next Chamber meeting is on February 26, 6pm, Bowraville RSL Club.