The Power of Business, Community, and the Next Generation
The Power of Business, Community, and the Next Generation
Being President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about creating real impact. Our Chamber is built on collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Next Gen Chamber, designed to mentor and empower young business leaders. It’s about more than just giving them a seat at the table—it’s about preparing them to shape the future of our region.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are reminded that inclusion and empowerment are not just ideals—they are actions. Legacy matters. We must cultivate opportunities, amplify diverse voices, and break down barriers so that leadership is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Women belong in every space where decisions are made. So, I challenge every business leader: How are you ensuring your workplace and community are truly inclusive? Because when we champion each other, we don’t just build stronger businesses—we create a better world.
Being President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on our local business community. Every day, I work alongside business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our region. The Chamber isn’t just about networking; it’s about collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress.
One of the most exciting initiatives we’ve undertaken is the Next Gen Chamber—a program designed to foster young business leaders throughout our region. It’s not just about giving them a seat at the table; it’s about mentoring, empowering, and preparing them to take the reins in the years to come. These emerging leaders bring fresh ideas, innovation, and new energy to our local economy.
Through structured mentoring, hands-on business experience, and networking opportunities, the Next Gen Chamber is setting them up for long-term success. Our responsibility as business owners is to create a future where young leaders thrive, where they have the tools, the knowledge, and the support to drive business forward.
International Women’s Day 2025: Inclusion, Empowerment & Legacy
This year, International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of why we must continue pushing for inclusion, equity, and opportunity—not just for women, but for every underrepresented voice in business and leadership.
For me, IWD 2025 is about legacy. It’s about the spaces we create, the opportunities we cultivate, and the voices we amplify. It’s about ensuring that every woman—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance—can step into leadership without barriers, without apology, and with the full support of her community.
I know firsthand that success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s also about access. It’s about ensuring that women, young entrepreneurs, and those from diverse backgrounds have the right environment, mentorship, and support to succeed.
Women belong in every space where decisions are made. That’s why the Next Gen Chamber is so important to me—it’s about fostering a future where young women in our region know they have a place in leadership, in boardrooms, and in industries where they’ve been historically underrepresented.
Empowerment isn’t just a word; it’s an action. This International Women’s Day, I challenge every business leader to ask:
How am I ensuring that my workplace, my industry, and my community are truly inclusive?
Because when we lift each other up, when we champion the voices that have been overlooked for too long, we don’t just create a better business landscape—we create a better world.
Why Being Part of the Chamber Matters
Joining the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in my businesses. The Chamber provides access to a wealth of knowledge, industry insights, and advocacy at both local and regional levels. But beyond that, it creates a sense of belonging—a community of like-minded business owners who genuinely care about each other’s success.
Through the Chamber, I’ve formed powerful collaborations, created new opportunities, and gained insight into policies and regulations that impact business. The support I’ve received has been instrumental in the growth of my businesses, and in turn, I’ve been able to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting others.
For any business owner—whether just starting out or well-established—the Chamber provides a direct line to opportunities, knowledge, and a network that wants to see you succeed.
“Great leaders don’t just build businesses—they build opportunities for others to thrive.”
About Me & My Businesses
I have always believed that business is more than profit—it is about people, impact, and legacy. My journey in business started in some of the most remote places in Australia, where I witnessed firsthand the power of awareness, inclusion, and a willingness to understand. I saw how businesses could thrive when they embraced diversity and worked collaboratively with their communities.
From those early experiences, I built a career centred on business governance, sustainability, and leadership. As the Founder and Managing Director of multiple businesses, I am dedicated to creating organisations that are not only successful but responsible, inclusive, and future-focused.
Allied Partnerships Australia – A purpose-driven organisation committed to fostering sustainable growth and operational excellence for businesses and communities. Guided by the principle "Where Governance Drives Success," APAus empowers organisations to achieve their goals through robust systems, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
The OBG Company – A business The OBG Company, located in Gunnedah, New South Wales, offers a diverse range of services and products, including:
Trophies and Engraving: Specialising in creating unique and personalised trophies that add meaning to every occasion.
Interior Design Consultations: Providing professional interior design services by appointment, focusing on creating harmonious and balanced spaces.
Gifts and More: Offering a curated selection of gifts, including the Willow Tree figurine collection.
The company is committed to sustainability, ensuring that all packaging is 100% recyclable and supporting ethically harvested products.
Vault 2ONE9 – A boutique co-working space located at 219-221 Conadilly Street in the heart of Gunnedah's Central Business District. It offers a variety of serviced workspaces designed to foster networking, collaboration, and communication among professionals.
Network of Wonder – A start up business - digital platform founded on the principles of empowerment, guidance, and support for children, young people, and those who support them—parents, educators, and mentors.
The platform focuses on personal development, health, and wellbeing, offering resources, tools, and a supportive community to help young people navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Through my businesses and leadership roles, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of business leaders, championing veterans in business, and advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Championing Veterans in Business
Another cause incredibly close to my heart is veteran affairs. My partner, Anthony, is a veteran who served in Middle East conflicts. Together, we are committed to fostering veteran relationships and creating pathways for veterans to transition into the business world.
Far too often, veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, particularly in the workforce. These individuals bring exceptional skills, discipline, and leadership capabilities, yet many face barriers to employment or business ownership.
Through my work, I am dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support they need—whether through employment opportunities, business mentorship, or simply ensuring they have a network to rely on.
Veterans bring unparalleled value to the business world, and it’s our responsibility to support them. Whether it’s advocating for veteran employment, helping businesses create veteran-friendly workplaces, or providing mentorship, I am committed to ensuring that no veteran is left behind.
The Bigger Picture
At the heart of everything I do—whether through my businesses, my role with the Chamber, or my advocacy for veterans and inclusivity—is a belief that business can be a force for good.
Business isn’t just about profit; it’s about people, community, and sustainability.
By supporting each other, embracing governance, and fostering the next generation of leaders, we can create a business landscape that is resilient, inclusive, and future-focused.
This International Women’s Day, I encourage every business owner to look beyond today and think about the legacy we are leaving behind.
How are we shaping the business world for the women, veterans, young leaders, and diverse talent of the future?
Because when we create space for everyone to thrive, we all succeed.
“The strength of our business community lies in collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress. Together, we can shape a future where every business has the tools and support to succeed”