The 2018 committee is already off to a great start, winning the Best Local Chamber of Commerce Award at the 2017 NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards on Friday.

It was the first official event that new chamber president Stacey Cooke represented the chamber. Mrs Cooke was vice-president in 2016/2017 and was elected as president for 2017/2018. She took over from former president Michael Broekman who was elected vice-president for 2017/2018. The new executive also includes Katie Johnson as secretary and Trina Daniells as treasurer.

Mrs Cooke said she had been a member of the chamber for a number of years before she was encouraged by Jamie Chaffey and Ann Luke to go on the committee.

Mrs Cooke said the chamber had a “really great team” and would focus on “keeping the momentum going”.

“We want to keep our commitment to our members and offer opportunities that are appropriate for them,” she said.

The president said the chamber was “open to all ideas” and welcome feedback.

“We happy to give everything a go if it’s going to be a benefit,” she said.

“Change is important. If we want to grow as a town and as a business community we need to have our minds open to new things.

“We’ve got to encourage that interest and growth.”

Mrs Cooke said the chamber was versatile, with members representing a variety of industries including retail, agriculture, mining, professional services, trade and education.

“All faculties of the different businesses are well-represented on the committee this year, which is really great,” she said.

“We’ve got a really good team behind us and having the support of the [Gunnedah Shire] Council as well really helps.

“Jamie [Chaffey] is aware that having the business sector heard and supported is important to the community of Gunnedah.”

Former president Michael Broekman has welcomed the change in executive members.

“It was great from my point of view that Stacey put up her hand to lead us for 2018,” he said.

“She was a wonderful vice-president over the last 12 months and I’m excited about her ideas and moving the organisation forward.

“It’s a firm belief of the chamber to try and rotate position so that new ideas and fresh inspiration helps to keep our organisation strong and I think this is shown by the recognition that we’ve received in winning the new business chamber of the year.”