“GUNNEDAH is open for business.”
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It’s the message Gunnedah Shire mayor Jamie Chaffey is driving as he heads up his first AgQuip in the role.
The first-term councillor is calling on businesses – local, interstate and overseas – to capitalise on the 100,000-plus visitors who’ll converge on Gunnedah in two weeks’ time for the town’s annual field days.
It’s a chance to further cement the region as a growing force across multiple industries, according to Cr Chaffey.
“It (AgQuip) is absolutely fantastic for this region,” he said.
“It is the biggest agricultural show in Australia, so I’m quite proud, as is the rest of the community, that AgQuip is here in Gunnedah.
“The heart of our economy is based around the extractive industry and agriculture.
“So to be able to have AgQuip here to showcase the riches that are in the Gunnedah shire to 100,000 people is something we’re really looking forward to.”
The annual event, which has been held in Gunnedah since it was founded in 1973, is a welcomed shot in the arm for the entire shire.
“It’s an important time of year for a lot of our retailers, our hoteliers, motels, restaurants, but also for other businesses that want to showcase new innovation or their business in general to those people who come from all regions of Australia to Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This year our message is that Gunnedah is open for business.
“We’d really be encouraging people who are interested in potentially starting up a new business or a new branch of their business to come along and talk to us.
“We see that our future direction, economically, is for more diversity.
“We want to encourage businesses to come have a good look at Gunnedah and see what opportunities are here for them.”
The strong list of exhibitors will include an international flavour with representation from Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, India, New Zealand and more than 40 Chinese companies.
Cr Chaffey encouraged everyone to get involved with AgQuip, including after-hour events like the AgQuip Bull Ride on Wednesday, August 23, the Billy Boiling Competition and the Treasure Hunt. AgQuip kicks off on August 22.