Chamber News

Over 80 people attended our June breakfast to hear from IT expert Alex Slade of A Corp. Computers, who give a very insightful presentation on the every increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business.

The theme for our May Breakfast was New Member Introductions. Attendees heard from Gareth Lloyd – Titan Technicians Enterprise, Amber Wright – The Regional VA, and Codey Dundas – Enviro Posts, who all gave a brief introduction of themselves and their business.

The Muswellbrook Careers Day held on the 3rd April was a great success, due to being so well supported by all involved. The day saw over 57 business/employer stands on display, with 140 school students attend the morning session and a further 125 general public attend the afternoon session.

Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites members to enter the 2025 Muswellbrook Business Awards. The Business Awards are a premier event on the Muswellbrook business calendar, culminating in our Black-Tie Gala Awards Dinner showcasing finalists across a range of categories and celebrating award winners that have been assessed by a panel of independent judges.

The theme for our April chamber breakfast held this week was ‘Meet the Candidates’ in the lead up to the Federal Election.
With Muswellbrook now in the New England Electorate. we had four candidates attend in person, and one providing a video.

An interactive survey was the flavour of the morning to determine how local businesses feel about the issues that matter to them. It was a different approach but very insightful to hear the responses on the screen given in real time.

Our last Chamber Breakfast for the year was our annual Community Organisations theme. This year we hear from Challenge Community Services, Muswellbrook Rotary Club, and the Muswellbrook Food & Toy Appeal. The profits form the breakfast were donated to local charity organisations.

The Chamber recently held its AGM. In his president’s report, Mie Kelly, sincerely thanked his fellow volunteer Directors for their continuing support and noted that all have taken time out of their business and private lives day to attend to Chamber matters and to support Chamber Programs. In his report he also went on to…

The Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music was the venue for our November Breakfast, with the theme of the morning being The Arts. Those attending heard from Elissa Emerson – Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, Shane Delforce – Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society (MATS), and Andrew French-Northam – Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.

Our October Chamber Breakfast held at the Muswellbrook RSL Club saw over 100 in attendance. Presentations included; Rob Sampson, Head of Acquisitions Brightlands Living, on their proposed 620 housing development for Muswellbrook; Katrina Keilly Community Connector with NSW Govt for The Welcome Experience program, designed to encourage and support essential workers moving to our region;…

At our September Chamber Breakfast, we heard from a number of our small business members to highlight the diversity and innovation of the region, whilst speaking on the importance of small business and the role they play in our economy. These included Tim Troon from Supply First Aid, Natasha Cotter from Count me in Clothing, and Robert Roussot from TLE Muswellbrook.

For our August breakfast, we invited Patrick Calabria from Lifeline Hunter along to provide an insight into the work that Lifeline does in the area of suicide prevention. Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities. Lifeline believe most suicides are preventable and will continue to advocate, educate and work to keep people safe until they achieve their vision of an Australia free of suicide.

During July we had visits to Muswellbrook by opposition leader Peter Dutton, and federal member Barnaby Joyce, where the Chamber and its members were invited to meet with them. 
Both outlined the Coalitions Nuclear Power Station policy, and the opportunities for Muswellbrook in the power generation transition.

Another large audience attended or July Chamber Breakfast, with over 100 hearing from AGL sharing valuable community information in regards to their long term goals, the life of Bayswater Power Station, the decommissioning and demolition of Liddell, plus the future of Pumped Hydro on the Muswellbrook Coal site.

The Chamber’s Business Awards are a premier event on the Muswellbrook Business Calendar. The Awards Ceremony is a Black-Tie event held each year with the evening showcasing finalists across a range of categories that have been assessed by a panel of independent judges.

Another large attendance was at our June Breakfast to hear from Sebastian Jacobs from the Muswellbrook Fire Station, plus to hear a Operations and Budget Report from the General Manager and staff from Muswellbrook Shire Council.

This weeks May Chamber Breakfast saw over 90 attendees from more than 40 different businesses and organisations hear updates from HVO and MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operations on their current mining continuation applications.

There was a great roll-up for our April Chamber Breakfast at the Silks Function Centre, Muswellbrook Race Club. Those attending heard from Alex Slade from A Corp. Computers on the subject of Cyber Security, and Bob Hawes CEO of Business Hunter giving an overview of Business Hunter and the opportunities and challenges facing the Hunter Region.

Nominations/Entries are now open for this year’s 2024 Muswellbrook Business Awards. The awards are open to MCCI members only. To enter visit: https://muswellbrooknsw.awardsplatform.com/

A big thanks to the Vines Restaurant at Hollydene for hosting our March Chamber Breakfast themed around New Member Introductions. Presenters included Toni Vanderwerf- Home Lending Manager from the Commonwealth. Jack Antcliff – Director of Oasis Media and Natalie Lumsden – Owner of Pretty Bangin’ Balloons.

This week was our final Chamber For the year with theme being Community Organisations. Guest speakers included Brian Collard from The Red Door Community Kitchen Inc, sharing the amazing work and support that volunteers & those that donate…in helping provide over 70 meals each week. Not just a place to come and eat but a safe place for people to come talk and have someone listen.

The Chamber was recently recognised for its Great Cattle Dog Muster event in this year’s Make Australia Beautiful – Tidy Towns Awards, in the Bush Spirit category. The NSW awards were hosted this year by Upper Hunter Shire Council and held at the Scone Race Club.

Our November Chamber Breakfast was focused on Tourism and the Visitor Economy. Presenters included Katina Kiely from the NSW Governments Welcome Experience., Glenn Caldwell from Destinations Sydney Surrounds North, and Wayne Toms representing Upper Hunter Country Tourism as President.

After recently being awarded ‘Outstanding Local Chamber’ in the Business Hunter Awards, the Chamber has now been announced as a finalist in the same category for the Business NSW Awards. 

We are proud to announce that the Chamber’s Great Cattle Dog Muster is a finalist in this year’s Tidy Towns Awards in the ‘Bush Spirit’ category.

To celebrate October being Small Business Month, our October Chamber breakfast saw guest presenters representing the Small Business sector, including from: Service NSW, a number of local Small Business owners,
and C-Res Local Buying Program

The AGM of the Muswellbrook Chamber and Industry Inc was recently held at the Muswellbrook RSL Club. The Chamber continues to support economic diversity and collaboration between all industry sectors.

Please be advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Inc) will be conducted:
6pm Monday 9th October 2023
Muswellbrook RSL
For more information contact Genelle Scotts (MCCI Secretary)
Ph:0431 705 672
Email: secretary@muswellbrookchamber.com.au

We are proud to announce the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) was awarded the “Outstanding Local Chamber” Award for the third year in a row at the Business Hunter Awards held in Newcastle. Muswellbrook was well represented with many Chamber members being finalist at the awards across numerous categories.

Our August Chamber Breakfast saw us announce the Chamber staging the TV & Movie Nostalgia Festival in September 2024. Thanks to the Muswellbrook Workers Club and Cinema Centre for hosting us.

Those attending our July Breakfast got to hear three presentations. The first was from the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue, followed by Dreampath, and lastly from Muswellbrook Shire Council.

The June Breakfast was an opportunity to hear from Simon Bush from the University of Newcastle on the topic of ’Securing a Talent Pipeline for the Upper Hunter’ Also presenting will be Tracy Forbes from Education NSW outlining the school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program.

Despite the challenges of the last few years, the 2023 Muswellbrook Business Awards has still seen a very high number of entries across the nine award categories. The number of entries is testament that local businesses are keen to move on despite all the current business difficulties.

Our May Breakfast was an opportunity to hear from Muswellbrook Shire Council with an update on the Hunter Innovation Precinct, including the new Donald Horne Building.

Attendees at our April Breakfast heard from Len McLachlan from AGL on the upcoming closure of Liddell Power Station, plus David Crough from NBN Co who are expanding their fibre network in Muswellbrook.

Our March Chamber Breakfast was an opportunity for those attending to meet and hear from four of the candidates standing for the seat of Upper Hunter in the NSW State Election. On the panel were Tony Lonergan (Greens), Perree Watson (Labor), James White (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers), and Dave Layzell (Nationals). Unable to attend and extending his apology was Dale McNamara (Independent).

Our February Breakfast was an opportunity to provide members the Chamber’s plans for 2023. Special guests included Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Minerals Council CEO Stephen Calilee.

Due to overwhelming success of the event in 2021, the Upper Hunter Inspirations Conference is back for 2023. The event will be staged again at the Muswellbrook RSL on Saturday 20th May.

Recently we attended the prestigious NSW State Business Awards where the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry was a finalist in the Outstanding Local Chamber category.

Yesterday’s chamber breakfast, themed around Small Business Month, saw close to 80 attendees hear from a range of presenters celebrating small business. Special thanks to the NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole MP. Upper Hunter Member Dave Layzell and Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP for their attendance and support. We also got to hear from…

Over 80 guests attended our October breakfast to hear Brad Williams from AGL give an update on the Liddell Power Station Closure & Demolition.

We are proud to announce that Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry was again the winner of the ‘Outstanding Local Chamber’ award at this years Hunter Business Awards.

All existing Board Members nominated to stand again for another year and were elected unopposed.

Despite the number of attendees being impacted by Covid Isolations, there was still a good turn out for our August Breakfast. Those attending were given an update on the Chamber’s activities, as well as hearing from Dale Snow from the Golf Club, Karen Eagan form the RSL, and Cam Halfpenny from Bengalla.

This year’s Muswellbrook Business Awards saw a record number of entries that culminated in a Gala Awards Presentation Dinner.

At our June Chamber breakfast, the CEO of the NSW Minerals Council, Stephen Galilee, provided a Mining Economic Update. Over 100 people attended, which was then followed by a Procurement networking event.

In the lead up to May 21 federal Election the Chamber staged a Meet the Candidates event. All nine candidates were invited to attend with seven of those excepting.

Great turn out for our April Chamber Breakfast themed around Community Organisations and with special guests Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Sam Farraway MLC

Wonderful attendance this morning at our March Breakfast, and to celebrate the start of Small Business Month. Many thanks to the Muswellbrook Race Club for hosting us.

There was a big roll up for our first Breakfast for 2022. The theme was a Chamber Update- The Year Ahead. Muswellbrook’s new Mayor, Steve Reynolds also gave a brief introduction of himself and outlined his, and councils plan, to have greater collaboration with the Chamber.

Due to overwhelming success of the event in 2021, the Upper Hunter Inspirations Conference is back for 2022. The evnt will be staged again at the Muswellbrook RSL on Wednesday 11th May.

Our last Chamber breakfast for 2021 saw Tim Owen give a presentation around the ‘Defence Ready Series’. Tim outlined the many opportunities becoming available for Upper Hunter Businesses as a result of increased defence spending in the region.

We are proud to announce that Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the winner of the Outstanding Local Chamber award at the recent Hunter Business Awards. Thank you to all our members and supporters in assisting us to make the Chamber the success that it is, and for making this recognition possible.

Great roll up for our first Chamber Breakfast since lockdowns. Theme for the breakfast was around tourism and an announcement on a proposed Upper Hunter Regional Museum to be located in Muswellbrook. One of the guest speakers was Glenn Caldwell from Destination Sydney Surrounds North.

Exciting news! New dates for 2022 have now been confirmed for our Great Cattle Dog Muster event – 9th, 10th and 11th September. Community Family Fun Day Saturday 10th. More details to follow over the coming weeks.

The Chamber would like to say a special thank you to everyone who donated to our recent ‘Locals Supporting Locals’ appeal. The money raised was used to provide Care Packs to struggling business owners and their families in Muswellbrook and Denman impacted by the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The AGM for the Chamber was recently conducted at the Muswellbrook RSL. The AGM is usually held in conjunction with the monthly breakfast, but due to Covid-19 restriction, was held as a stand only event. Those attending were presented with reports from President Mike Kelly, Treasurer Lorraine Skinner, and Wayne Toms Member Services Manager. Despite…

Despite numbers having to be limited, those attending this morning Chamber Breakfast heard presentations on the Upper Hunter Economic Development Corporation and The Melt Hunter Valley.

As a result of the current Public Health Orders, Lockdowns, and Restrictions surrounding Covid-19, the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on advice from the event’s Organising Committee, has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event that was scheduled for 10th, 11th, 12th September 2021.

Today the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue and Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) held a Mining Industry Economic Update and Procurement Networking Event.

At our June Chamber Breakfast we heard from Len McLachlan, General Manager of Bayswater and Liddell. In his presentation he outlined the future plans of AGL plus the future of Liddell Power Station site after its closure.

The inaugural Upper Hunter Inspirations Conference staged by the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on May 12 and has proved to be a big hit.

Thank you to Hollydene Estate Wines and the Vines Restaurant at Hollydene for hosting our May breakfast for the first time. The theme of the breakfast was ‘New Member Introductions, where we heard from Troy Martin from TGM Enterprises, Stephen Thatcher from Lake Liddell Recreation Area Reserve Land Manager, Nichola Benkovic from The Hunter in a Basket, and Patrick Brennan…

And the winners are…. Community Groups/Not-for Profit Groups – Warrior Disability Services. Financial Services – Westpac Muswellbrook. Health & Beauty Services – Hair By Maddi. Hospitality & Tourism – Hollydene Estate Wines & Vines Restaurant at Hollydene. Best New Business – The Royal Muswellbrook. Professional Services – Raine & Horne Muswellbrook. Retail: Large – Muswellbrook…

Very large turnout for the April Chamber Breakfast. Thanks to BHP Mt Arthur, Mangoola Coal, and MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operations, for providing an update on local Major Mining Projects.

Great turnout at at our March Breakfast where we heard from three local Innovative and Diverse businesses operating in Muswellbrook. Beacon Automation. Camel Milk NSW, and The Hunter App. Thanks to Muswellbrook Race Club for hosting the event.

There was a big turn out for our first Breakfast for 2021. A change to a covid 2q meter rule meant we could have the most attendees at a Breakfast we have had in twelve months.

Nominations/Entries are now open for the 2021 Muswellbrook Chamber’s Business Awards. Entries close on 1 March with judging taking place the week beginning 15 March. Our Gala Awards Presentation Dinner will be held on 16 April at the Muswellbrook RSL.

It was a full house for our last breakfast for 2020. The theme of the morning was around local community organisations where we heard from a number of presenters give an overview of their organisations as they support the less fortunate in the lead up to the Christmas period

This months Chamber Breakfast was themed on providing a Local Real Estate Market update. A number of Local Agents were invited to attend and give their assessment of the current market, trends over the last couple of years, and expectations for the market going forward.

As part of Small Business Month, the MCCI has produced a ‘Go Local First’ video. This will be followed by series of videos in the lead up to Christmas promoting the importance of Go Local First when doing your Christmas shopping.

The theme for October Chamber Breakfast was based around Small Business Month and Locals Supporting Locals.

This months Chamber Breakfast was again well attended, With Covid restrictions limited the numbers to 60, it meant that unfortunately a number of people had to miss out. The theme this month was a presentation by Muswellbrook Mayor Martin Rush on the Councils 2020/2021 Planning and Budget Overview.

The Chamber has been able to hold it first breakfast since March this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of attendees had to be restricted to 60 and these were filled within 48 hours of being released with a further 20, that wished to attend, unfortunately missing out. The breakfast combined the Chamber’s AGM…

Due to the restrictions on events surrounding the Coronavirus we were forced  to cancel this year’s Business Awards Dinner. Fortunately, we were able to finalise the award nominations and conduct our judging prior to the restrictions coming into place. This meant that the Business Awards for 2019 could still be conducted  but without holding the Awards Dinner. 

Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing support to its members, and the broader Muswellbrook business community, during the COVID-19 crisis.
As part of this commitment, we have developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub that provides local, practical and hands on support programs and resources for our members.

The MCCI has now established a Members Only Facebook Group Page. The group allows members to ask questions, share news, provide updates and stay connected with other members.

We encourage all members to join the group via the link below:

Link to: Members Only Facebook Group Page

There was a very large audience in attendance for this mornings March Chamber Breakfast where the topic of the breakfast was on the important issue of Mental Health.

MCCI feature in a story regarding local business confidence in the area. The full story can be found at the Muswellbrook Chronicle. Follow the ‘Read More’ to find the link to the full story.

There was great roll up for our first breakfast for 2020 themed around Retail & Tourism held at the Railway Hotel who put on a wonderful breakfast.

This months Chamber breakfast was themed around Community Organisations and events. Presenters included Brian Collard form the Red Door Community Kitchen where the breakfast was held. De-anne Douglas from the PCYC

Muswellbrook Golf Club was the venue for November’s Chamber Breakfast where those attending were given a presentation on the history of the club, what is happening now and what is planned for the future.

Those attending our October Breakfast were there to hear fist-hand some the exciting initiatives the Chamber is planing to roll out over the coming twelve months.

Our September Breakfast held at the Muswellbrook Race Club saw State Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen and Anna Zycki from the RMS give an update on the Muswellbrook Bypass Project.

At our recent AGM our new Board members were elected. There were eight positions to be filled with eight nominations received. We thank those elected for their support and commitment to the Chamber and its members.

An attendance of just under 130 was on hand to hear presentations from local mining companies outline their local procurement policies and channels. Representatives from the likes of BHP, C-Res, MACH Energy, Bengalla, Thiess and the Upper Hunter mining Dialogue spoke about their community engagement and procurement.

Our July Breakfast saw a presentation by NSW Police where they outlined their local police strategies and the new ‘Rise Up’ program initiative.

Recently the Chamber’s Board of Directors were invited on a tour of the Mangoola Coal Operations. The tour included an insight into their open cut operations and rehabilitation programs. Their rehabilitation initiatives in particular deserve recognition and to be congratulated.

A large audience attended our June Chamber Breakfast to hear Mayor Martin Rush present a detailed analysis of Council’s 2019/20 Budget and the way in which Council is responding to community risks associated with the long-term declining significance of thermal coal.

The Chamber had a representation at this years Careers Day held at Muswellbrook High School. Students from both Muswellbrook and Scone high schools attended to see and speak with an array of career options on show.

A large crowd attended the May Chamber Breakfast themed around a ‘Focus on Education’. Speakers addressed education, training, careers and skills needs and opportunities in the area.

Our April Breakfast was moved forward to be in line with the Muswellbrook Cup Day. The theme was around the Equine Industry with guest speakers including Dr Sam Nugent from the Scone Equine Hospital and Scott Brodie a horse expert speaking about re-education of Thoroughbred racehorses after racing.

Is ELECTRICTY burning a hole in your PROFITS?
NSW Business Chamber Energy Program.
At THE ENERGY ARCADE – in The Pavilion – UPPER HUNTER SHOW

This mornings Chamber Breakfast was themed “Meet the Candidates’ where we heard from candidates for the seat of Upper Hunter in the upcoming NSW State Election being held on 23rd March. Each Candidate presented their policy positions on issues critical to Muswellbrook & the Upper Hunter.

The Joint Networking event between Muswellbrook & Singleton Chambers 2019 Annual Mining Update was well attended and appreciated.

There was a great turnout for the first Chamber Breakfast of 2019 themed around Retail & Tourism. Guest speakers provided insights and reports on the 2018 Christmas trading period and their thoughts on the year ahead. Big thanks to the Railway Hotel for hosting the event and providing such a great breakfast. Guest speakers included:…

About 70 members and guests attended our November Chamber breakfast themed Muswellbrook Commercial Property Forum. With a focus on the private commercial market, expert discussions also delved into expectations of its short, medium and long term future.

Our September breakfast was hosted by the Hunter Valley Policing District at Muswellbrook Police Station. We heard from the new Superintendent Chad Gillies, Acting Inspector/Acting Crime Manager Steve Benson and Senior Constable Sheree Gray.

The August Breakfast featured a Key Note Presentation from Kate Coates, General Manger AGL Macquarie. Her presentation ‘AGL and the future of electricity generation in the Hunter Valley’ included plans under the Liddell Innovation Project.

Our July Chamber Breakfast was held last Tuesday 3rd July 2018, and in line with NAIDOC celebrations was themed ‘Bridging the Gap: Providing Opportunities for Meaningful Indigenous Employment.’

We had over 70 people attend our June Chamber Breakfast this morning which featured a panel discussing Gender Diversity in the workplace.

Last Friday night over 200 hundred people gathered at the Muswellbrook RSL Club to celebrate the finalists and find out the winners of the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business Awards for the 2017 calendar year.