16 July 2019

Widespread drought conditions continue to punish rural and regional communities across NSW including Gunnedah. Like those on the land, small businesses are feeling the impact.

The Minister for Finance and Small Business, the Hon. Damien Tudehope and the NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs and their team will be visiting Gunnedah on Wednesday 24 July to hear first-hand how drought is impacting our community and interested businesses are invited to a Business Breakfast to meet with them.

“We’re asking business owners to come along to have a very open, frank and honest conversation about their experience with drought in the last 18 months“ Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We know of businesses that have had to close or downsize. When this happens, margins are tighter and there is more pressure for business owners to be working longer hours. Things have been really tough and we want to make sure the Minister and Commissioner see a whole community that has been affected. This is an invitation for people to come along and tell their stories” he said.

In the lead up to the visit, Gunnedah Shire Council are asking business houses to fill in a survey to help capture some data that will be presented to Minister Tudehope and Commissioner Hobbs during their visit.

“We have put together a survey that will take only about 10 minutes, but will allow us to piece together a complete picture of the short and long-term implications for our business sector.” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle.

“Even if you can’t make the breakfast, the survey is a great opportunity for our community to have their voice heard.”

“Drought impacts our whole community and we’re looking forward to hearing some of the options available to small businesses” she concluded.

Business Breakfast
When: Wednesday 24th July, 2019
Time: 7:30am
Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery, Chandos Street, Gunnedah
Cost: FREE

Visit Council’s website to reserve your spot (click on buy tickets) www.thecivic.com.au.

To fill out the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZN8L2C
Respondents go in the draw to win $100 Gunnedah Gift Card.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.