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I've been listening more than usual lately, and one story keeps repeating itself, told by different business owners, in different words, but with the same shape underneath. Time is tighter than it used to be. Every dollar has to work harder. And somehow, despite that, the events calendar across the Hastings has never been fuller. There's a breakfast, a launch, a networking hour, or a webinar competing for the same evening most weeks of the year, and on top of all of it, businesses are being asked to donate to something almost constantly. A raffle prize here, a sponsorship there, a fundraiser on top of the one from last month.

Final Call: The July Issue of Business Connect Is Closing Soon. There's a real buzz around Business Port Macquarie right now, and it's not hard to see why. Since the Business Awards, we've watched our reach grow in ways we didn't expect. The Awards alone delivered over 610,000 views across the night and the lead up week, with our Instagram lead up reach growing 658% year on year. Business Connect Magazine has driven more than 11,500 click throughs across just three issues. This isn't a one off spike either. It's a genuinely enormous, growing platform, and it's one every one of our members has access to.

This October, Business Port Macquarie is hosting a Golf Day fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with returning major sponsor Oxley Insurance Brokers. Here's why this is one of the best ways for local businesses to play, network, sponsor a hole, and support a service that saves lives across our region.

Here's a test. It takes two minutes, costs nothing, and most business owners have never run it. Picture a SafeWork NSW inspector walking through your door tomorrow morning. They have received an anonymous complaint from a former worker. The inspector asks to see how you consult with your workers on safety. They ask what you've done to identify psychosocial hazards. They ask for evidence that your risk controls are reviewed, not just written once and filed away. What do you hand them?

Running a business today means wearing a lot of hats - and two of the most important ones are often the most overlooked: workplace safety and cyber security.

One of my favourite parts of this year's Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards wasn't just awards night itself. It was everything that happened in the weeks leading up to it. Emma and I absolutely loved visiting each and every one of our sponsors, stepping inside their businesses, hearing their stories, learning what drives them and sharing those stories with our community through video. Every business had something unique to offer, and it was a privilege to help shine a light on them. This year we set out to do things differently. We wanted to create more than just an awards night. We wanted to create genuine connection, stronger engagement and more opportunities for our sponsors to be seen, heard and celebrated. Together with our incredible sponsors, we achieved exactly that.

At Business Port Macquarie, we often talk about membership benefits — events, advocacy, promotion, connections, resources. These are important, and they form the backbone of what we offer.But the truth is, the real value of membership doesn’t live in a list of inclusions.It lives in engagement.Membership is not a passive investment where you sign up, sit back, and wait for new clients or sales to appear. Simply holding a membership, on its own, rarely creates meaningful change. The members who gain the most from being part of Business Port Macquarie are those who show up, lean in, and actively participate in the community.

As the calendar turns and the holiday buzz continues, we’re back and full of excitement for what 2026 has in store for our region, our businesses, and our community. The Christmas and New Year period has delivered a fantastic start to the year. From packed beaches dotted with cabanas and umbrellas, to restaurants and cafés bursting at the seams, the Hastings has once again proven it’s a favourite place to be. With improved road access making us closer than ever to major cities, visitors have been arriving in droves — and it’s been wonderful to see “No Vacancy” signs lighting up accommodation across the region.

Why Showing up Matters: The Power of Visibility, Connection and Sponsorship in the 2026 Business Awards. In a competitive and fast-moving business environment, success isn’t only about what you do - it’s also about who knows you, who sees you, and how present you are in the community you operate in. Visibility, connection, and engagement all play a critical role in building a strong brand, a trusted reputation, and a resilient business. That’s why programs like the 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards are more than just an annual celebration - they are a high-value opportunity for businesses to show up, be seen, and demonstrate their support for our region’s economic growth. Sponsorship Is Not Just Support - It’s Strategy

Welcome to our December Wrap-Up! We are Celebrating a Year of Positive ChangeTo our members, sponsors, partners and community, THANK YOU for contributing to a year of meaningful progress and fresh energy at Business Port Macquarie.We invite you to grab a cuppa and take a look at a snapshot of 2025 at Business Port Macquarie!

We are gearing up for an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration, where our community will come together to celebrate, reflect, and look ahead to the year to come. Our fireworks event will bring families, friends, neighbours, and visitors together to share a positive and memorable start to 2026.At Business Port Macquarie, we know that strong communities are built through connection and support. Local businesses play a vital role in shaping our region, providing jobs, supporting local families, and contributing to the character and culture of Port Macquarie. Events like this remind us why working together and staying connected matters.

Our annual Charity Golf Day, proudly supported by major sponsor Oxley Insurance Brokers, once again brought together golfers and enthusiastic hackers for a relaxed and enjoyable day on the fairways. The event offered the perfect mix of networking, friendly competition, and community spirit, all while raising funds for a cause that truly matters.

Weathering the Storm: How Australian Small Businesses Are Navigating Rising Operating CostsIn today’s economic climate, small businesses across Australia are experiencing significant pressure from rising operating costs. Increasing insurance premiums, higher supply chain expenses, wage growth, and broader economic uncertainty have created a trading environment that is challenging even for well-established operators. Understanding these pressures and the strategies businesses are using to respond is critical for long-term resilience.

In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget that business is still built on something deeply human — connection. Behind every deal, every partnership, and every thriving enterprise are people who took the time to talk, listen, and collaborate. Networking isn’t just a professional activity; it’s the heartbeat of a strong business community.

Strong Connections and Bright Futures - Welcome to our October Snapshot. A SEASON OF CELEBRATION AND CONNECTION. October marks the lead-up to a busy season for local business! Now’s the time to start locking in your Christmas parties, client thank-yous and summer events. Please consider supporting our members when planning — from venues and catering to team activities, they’ve got everything you need to celebrate locally.

Tuesday 16th September marked an exciting milestone for Business Port Macquarie, with the launch of our very first Leaders Round Table lunch, proudly hosted by Telstra. Created exclusively for our top-tier members, the Leaders Round Table is designed to bring together some of our region’s most influential business leaders to share insights, identify challenges, and shape opportunities. The goal is simple yet powerful - to foster collaboration that drives positive change and strengthens our local business community.

You may have noticed we’ve been busier than ever, out in the community advocating, building, and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

Business Port Macquarie is incredibly proud to share that thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, more than 10,000 signatures have been collected on the Oxley Highway Petition.

On 22 August, Business Port Macquarie joined forces with Local Member Robert Dwyer MP to launch the Oxley Highway Petition, aiming to gather 10,000 physical signatures so the issue can finally be debated in NSW Parliament.

Our chamber has always been a cornerstone of support and growth for local businesses, and I am committed to building on this strong foundation. Together, we will explore new opportunities, address challenges, and celebrate our collective successes.

At the end of the evening I announced that I would be stepping down from Business Port Macquarie as at the 31st May. I have been very fortunate to have been a representative of the board of Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce/ Business Port Macquarie for the past 13 years. What I didn’t expect was the beautiful standing ovation I received from a room full of people. Thank you so much, you really touched my heart deeply, I was lost for words (which those who know we know is rare!) and it was a struggle to hold it all together.

While winter can traditionally bring a slower period, especially for tourism and hospitality, it also presents unique opportunities for business growth. Here are 6 practical strategies you might like to think about:

Running a business in today’s competitive landscape comes with many challenges, from navigating economic shifts to staying ahead of industry trends.

What a fantastic evening we had in February, kicking off the 2025 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards!

I always welcome February as it is a time to return to normality. Kids back at school, everyone back to work and you can settle back into some semblance of a routine. Just as you thought you can relax…. we are again off and running with a jam-packed agenda for 2025!

2024 NSW State Business Awards Winners - Stacey Morgan Outstanding Business Leader, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic Employer of Choice

Drum roll please… The results are in for the 2024 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards! What an accomplished list of winners and finalists represented at Business NSW Gala event at Sails Resort Port Macquarie - by Rydges on Friday 20th September!

August was another busy month and I was fortunate to be invited to attend the Tourism Symposium covering Tourism business &operators on the North Coast up to the border.

What a month May was!

YES!! Strawny’s haircut has GOT TO GO!

Lifeline Mid Coast Building Plans

Business Port Macquarie have arranged to hold an AICD course right here in Port Macquarie

Allan was deeply passionate about the region and the wonderful community.

November 1 has come and gone now, so it’s time to understand your alternatives to single-use plastic items

Welcome to our newest members of Business Port Macquarie

With our new look, we would love to introduce you to our newest members of Business Port Macquarie

Over 90 percent of businesses are experiencing workforce shortages

The focus on immediate support in pressure point areas while maintaining a commitment for much needed reform

Fair Work Commission to raise the National Minimum Wage by 5.2%

Business Port Macquarie is pleased to introduce our new President, Alex Glen- Holmes

Business Port Macquarie recently hosted a meet the Candidates Forum

THE MID North Coast needs a “robust conversation about employment”

Business Connect isn’t just another platform to list your products or promote your services it’s a space to tell your story. In today’s crowded marketplace, people aren’t simply looking for what you offer. They want to understand why you offer it. They want to connect with the journey behind your business the motivation that sparked it, the passion that drives it, and the determination that keeps it growing.