Trevor Oldfield, Livia Janovics and Frank Webb were the key drivers of re-establishing a much-needed business chamber for Blacktown City.
I recall the robust meeting when the Chamber directors initiated their first approached for support at a Blacktown Council meeting.
There were many concerns over previous attempts made by other organisations that either failed or had minimal impact on the effectiveness of the local business community.
Trevor, Livia and Frank were rock solid in their resolve to establish a Business Chamber for Blacktown City.
No sooner was I elected Mayor were the trio back to pitch their case. Their tenacity, resolve and vision were second to none and soon Blacktown City Council was authorised to work on projects with the GBBC.
I was proud to work with the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber on several projects including:
• Developing an economic plan to support businesses in the Blacktown City;
• Working with GBBC in organising business forums to support visiting delegations of businesses from our sister cities in Korea, New Zealand, China and locally with Liverpool Plains Shire; and,
• Trade delegations.
GBBC has also worked with consulates from around the world to establish trade relations including the Budapest Business Chamber of Commerce.
During the last major drought, the GBBC worked with businesses to clean bore water to drinking water quality that was used in Liverpool Plains Shire Council area.
Steve Kamper MP, worked extensively with GBBC to develop policies to support local small businesses when Labor was in Opposition. Upon Labor being elected to Government in March 2023, Steve Kamper became the NSW Minister for Small Business and has delivered these initiatives.
Minister Kamper attended the tenth anniversary celebration and told attendees that the GBBC can be proud that its feedback has led Labor to implement policy initiatives including a NSW Small Business Commissioner; a concierge service through NSW Business Bureau; boosted Government procurement from small and medium businesses; and revamped the NSW Government website for small businesses.
Congratulations again to the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber on your 10th anniversary. I look forward to your continued unwavering support for businesses across Blacktown City.
Stephan Bali is NSW Member for Blacktown.
