Drought-affected businesses are being invited to share their stories at a free breakfast next week.
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The Minister for Finance and Small Business, the Hon. Damien Tudehope and the NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs will be in on July 24 to hear hear first-hand how the drought is impacting the shire.
"This is an invitation for people to come along and tell their stories," Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
"We're asking business owners to come along to have a very open, frank and honest conversation about their experience with drought in the last 18 months.
"We know of businesses that have had to close or downsize. When this happens, margins are tighter and there is more pressure for business owners to be working longer hours. Things have been really tough and we want to make sure the minister and commissioner see a whole community that has been affected."
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In the week leading up to the event, the council is asking business to complete an online survey to gather some data to pass on to Minister Tudehope and Commissioner Hobbs during their visit.
"We have put together a survey that will take only about 10 minutes, but will allow us to piece together a complete picture of the short and long-term implications for our business sector," council's economic development manager Charlotte Hoddle.
"Even if you can't make the breakfast, the survey is a great opportunity for our community to have their voice heard.
"Drought impacts our whole community and we're looking forward to hearing some of the options available to small businesses."
The business breakfast will be held on Wednesday 24th July at 7.30am at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery on Chandos Street. To RSVP, visit www.thecivic.com.au
To fill out the online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZN8L2C