Wow what a fabulous event the 2025 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards night was. We had amazing entertainment from Sophie Delightful and the Curbside Carnies thanks to our Entertainment sponsor Lux Laser & Aesthetics but the main champions of the night were our finalists and winners that we were there to celebrate. A big congratulations to Willow Rissel from Brows by Willow who took out four awards including Business of the Year. It definitely was the Logies of the Mid North Coast.
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.
During my time on the board I have been lucky to be involved in many projects some of these have included community projects such as introducing the Christmas Parade. This started off the first year with half of Horton St blocked off and 11 walking floats and by the last parade 9 years later we had the whole of Horton Street and 54 floats both walking and motorised. Building on that success, we added fireworks and the Mascot race. Unfortunately, after Covid the council decided not to resurrect the event.
Bringing the New Years Eve fireworks to the community and seeing the reactions and enjoyment of the community is a real highlight. None of which would have been possible without some great business sponsorships getting behind the idea. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to be part of a group to give back to community.
My position gave me the opportunity of getting to know and be associated with some great groups, including Luminosity, Hastings Education Fund, Nautilus school and Charles Sturt University to name a few. I look forward to continuing my association with these groups in some way.
But most of all I have loved being to advocate on behalf of the business community. To be able to take your concerns to all levels of government and give you a voice. None of which would happen without the support and friendships I have received from the business community during these years. Thank you for backing me and trusting me to represent you. Facilitating networking and watching strategic alliances between very different businesses to support each other has been fantastic. This was especially evident during covid.
I am often asked why I am involved in volunteering and advocacy, especially as I have 3 other businesses. It is because I believe that we all need to do our part as volunteers to give back to the community and help that community to thrive. I am passionate about our community and the fantastic place we live in and I am also passionate about business.
Over the years I have been involved in many different organisations as my children grew up. Everything from 12 years on a pre school committee to School P&F, Soccer coaching and club rep, Representative soccer committee, Drama committee, Little athletics, Junior Triathalon club, Futsal coaching & managing. As my kids grew up and left home I say I graduated into more grown up groups such as Look Good Feel Better, Willing & Able Board, The Chamber Board & the Business Awards Committee. I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it and would recommend being involved (maybe not quite this much) to everyone. Not only does it ensure that these events can happen and the community and business benefit but it gives you a great feeling inside and open you up to many people from different walks of life.
Will I get involved in another project? Highly likely but I am not sure what that is after all none of the past has been planned it has happened along at the right time so we will see where the road leads next.
I am proud to announce I leave Business Port Macquarie in good hands. I am proud to present Peter Jones from Harvey Norman as your new President. Peter is a beautiful caring human being and a very good business operator with impeccable ethics. I know Peter will represent the business community well. His youthfulness will help keep the services offered to the business community current and up to date. Please show Peter the same support that you have afforded me over the years.
As I sign off it’s not goodbye, it’s see you around. I encourage each of you to find ways to contribute, to connect, and to continue building the thriving business community we all love.
Take care, signing off
Alex xx