Most thought pigs would fly before the three Chambers of Commerce in the Nambucca Valley would ever come together.
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So deep was the chasm of parochialism and 'whataboutme'-ism that numerous historical attempts to bridge the divide had failed.
But if there's one silver lining to shared trial and tragedy, it's that it can have the power to unite former foes.
And the past 12 months has certainly brought enough of that.
With the mediation of Regional Development Australia MNC's Kerry Grace, and assistance of council's Manager of Business Development Wayne Lowe, and Regional Manager for the Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Kellon Beard, the Macksville, Bowraville and Nambucca Heads - Valla Chambers Of Commerce have formed a mighty alliance.
It's quite groundbreaking really.
- Macksville Chamber Of Commerce's Janine Reed
But with tough times ahead in order to pull Nambucca through the economic downturn caused by the bushfires, and then COVID, all three Chambers agreed that uniting would be the most effective thing to do.
"It's about becoming a bigger, more powerful voice to get things done," Nambucca Heads - Valla Chamber president Margie O'Brien said.
It is important to note here that the alliance allows for each chamber to maintain its own independence and integrity.
The arrangement sees delegates from each chamber coming together once a month (mostly through Zoom meetings, currently) to discuss issues which have mutual significance.
"There's a lot of problems that can be solved by putting more heads together," Margie said.
"The point is to help one another, liaise with council and get some wins," Janine said.
"Support and extra influence - that's how I see the strength of the alliance," Bowraville Chamber president Paul Nowland said, who was glad of the support from the wider community when his chamber went into bat for the town against bcu earlier this year.
It's really about connecting the community, which is what we need in a lot of areas.
One of the obvious talking points is a Valley-wide tourism strategy. So the Nambucca Valley Tourism Association has also been invited to the table.
There are discussions of mountain bike tours, canoe trails, and needing to encourage more day-trippers to consider the Nambucca Valley.
"The tourism is why we're here - it's what's going to keep us going. And we need the marketing to get people here," Margie said.
I've said since 2004 that Nambucca is a 'Noosa' waiting to happen.
There have also been combined workshops to strategise ideas to drive post-COVID business trade in the Nambucca.
"It was about getting something happening now, and being prepared for any funding opportunities that might come along," Janine said.
And all chambers have also expressed an interest in supporting council with the new Valla Urban Growth Area.
Of course, there's still a long way to go and much to be discussed - the alliance has only just had its fourth meeting.
"It's still in its infancy - but I do think it'll help," Margie said.