Chamber Connect Day with Business Hunter

On Tuesday 9 June we joined forces with Business Hunter to celebrate and strengthen the local chamber network across our region at the beautiful Sienna Hunter Valley.
Bringing together chambers from across the Hunter, Chamber Connect Day was proudly co-hosted in the Maitland LGA and facilitated by Business Hunter, creating an opportunity for meaningful collaboration, shared learning and important conversations about advocacy.

A key feature of the day was a government advocacy panel featuring Maitland City Council General Manager Jeff Smith, Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP, and Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP. The discussion focused on the role chambers play in representing local business interests and highlighted the importance of strong relationships between business, government and community leaders.

The panel reinforced that effective advocacy is built on collaboration, open communication and a shared vision for creating vibrant communities where people can live, work and play. By aligning strategic priorities and working together, chambers and government can help deliver stronger outcomes for businesses and the broader region.

Attendees also heard from four local chambers, each sharing insights into the initiatives driving economic growth and community engagement within their regions.
The Maitland Business Chamber showcased its foundation initiative Courage in Action – Mentorship in Motion program, an innovative women’s leadership and mentoring initiative designed to foster confidence, capability and meaningful professional development through a structured, results-focused mentoring program.

Representatives from Throsby Chamber shared their visitor destination focus and efforts to strengthen tourism and local economic activity across their region. Singleton Business Chamber highlighted its successful member retention strategies and the impact of its popular Spend in Singleton campaign in supporting local businesses and encouraging community spending. Muswellbrook Chamber presented on the significant role major events play in driving visitation and economic activity, including the highly successful Great Cattle Dog Muster.

Business NSW was also on hand to provide chamber representatives with an overview of the extensive support available to businesses across New South Wales. Attendees learned about the organisation’s suite of online webinars, business templates, resources, advisory services and free business support hotline, which chambers can leverage to further assist their members and strengthen local business communities.

The day provided valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing, with chamber leaders exchanging practical ideas and exploring ways to work together more effectively across the Hunter region.

Maitland Business Chamber President Jason Woodward said the event demonstrated the value of a connected chamber network.
“When chambers come together, we create opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen our advocacy efforts and ultimately deliver greater value for the businesses we represent. The exchange of ideas throughout the day highlighted the incredible work being done across our region and the power of collaboration in shaping stronger local economies.”

The Maitland Business Chamber extends its thanks to Business Hunter for facilitating the event, as well as The Sienna Hunter Valley, AJM Photography, Business NSW and all participating chambers for contributing to a successful and impactful day.