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February 2019 Presidents Report

Hello Members,
 
Hospital Update
On Tuesday I attended the latest Hospital Redevelopment Breakfast meeting where I asked the why the two Hospitals announced last week, North Gosford and Newcastle would start and complete brand new $470 million dollar Hospitals by 2020, when we were told Griffith Base Hospital would take until 2028. The reply from MLHD was “don’t believe everything you see in media” implying they will actually take much longer and this is Government spin. There was also conversation discussing that the so called temporary 2nd hand transportable dongers being used as a Renal unit, until the new Hospital may now become permanent.
We still believe that full 24/7 emergency Orthopaedic services must be immediately implemented and that the new Hospital have a full kitchen, Laundry and Sterilisation unit.
 
Meet and Greet with Deputy Premier John Barilaro  and Member for Murray Austin Evans MP
On behalf of Deputy Premier John Barilaro  and Member for Murray Austin Evans MP, they have extended an invitation to Griffith Business Chamber Members to attend a FREE early morning coffee meet and greet on Tuesday 19th February, 7.30am-8.30am at The Griffith Leagues Club. 
It is free for members to attend and will include a light morning tea.
Both Mr Barilaro and Mr Evans will be outlining their vision for the upcoming State Election.
 
This is an exclusive opportunity for members to attend and have an open discussion leading up to the election. Please support this event, as opportunities like these are valuable to the business community.
 
RSVP is essential and required ASAP and by Monday 18th February 10am to Amanda info@griffithbusinesschamber.com.au for catering purposes.
 
 
Meet the Candidates
Griffith Business Chamber will host a Meet the Candidates- State Election Q&A. This event is open to the public and free to attend. 

When: Thursday 28th February 2019
Time: 6pm
Where: The Griffith Leagues Club

It’s never been so important to hear and understand what issues your electorate is facing and what potential candidates can do for the community if elected. Along with Griffith Business Chamber, there’ll be senior representation from NSW Business Chamber plus two eminent guest speakers Maryanne Slatery –from Australia Institute and former MDBA Director and whistle blower on the failed basin plan, along with Gabrielle Chan – Investigative Journalist for The Guardian, and author best selling book The Rusted Off.

To attend this event, please RSVP to Secretary Amanda Quarisa at info@griffithbusinesschamber.com.au by Tuesday 26th February 2019. 

Lake Wyangan
Lake Wyangan is an environmental catastrophe and significant health risk for our Community.  Motor Neuron Disease in Griffith is 7 times the National average.  Local, State and Federal Governments have the ultimate responsibility to ensure safety for all Australians.  
The continual flushing of the Murrumbidgee using it as a canal for South Australia under the disastrous and destructive Murray Darling Basin Plan is a major contributor to this problem.
The stirring up of nutrients and sediment etc. has made any pool of water in the system once summers climatic conditions are in play a Blue Green Algae nightmare.
Lake Wyangan must have massive of water flushed through it immediately and we can not wait. The costs of this water is clearly the responsibility of the Federal Government Environmental Water holder.
Enough is enough, Council must make this their most immediate priority – too many lives are at stake.

Side Walk Sale
Easter is not far away and Griffith Business Chamber will once again host a Side Walk Sale. If you wish to participate please register online HERE  by 10th April 2019. Please tell your neighbour to jump online too. There will be no hard copy rego form this year. Chamber will be distributing posters to Main St businesses to display leading up to the Side Walk Sale and also display red balloons and may even have the Easter Bunny handing out chocolates on the Saturday morning! We are seeking 4 people to assist with this event and are asking for any Banna Ave businesses to get in contact with our Secretary Amanda Quarisa. Events like these aren't possible without support of the main street business owners. 

NEW! Monthly Happy Hour of Networking 
GBC will be introducing a new regular networking event on the 1st Thursday of each month.
It will be for 1 hour every month in The Griffith Leagues Club new Beer Garden from 5.45-6.45pm. We will feature a member each month in a very informal, casual way. No formal presentations, no selling, just a different way to inform you what's out there to help your business.  The purpose of these events is to connect the business community and an opportunity for you all to network, make new contacts and promote your business. We've had many members request this, so please support events like these. The best part is it's free to attend and free drinks!!!  Our first event will be held on Thursday 7th March featuring Tafe NSW. Don't forget to bring your business cards and your employee's!

Support your Local Broker
The Royal Commission has signalled changes that could threaten local brokers and would greatly damage their industry. It's our chance to stop the power being handed back to the big banks, don’t kill the competition! If the recommendations are passed through Government, it will ultimately kill off the competition which affects some of our members.  Griffith Business Chamber support our members and we're encouraging people to support local brokers and to sign the petition at https://www.brokerbehindyou.com.au/support-your-broker/ . We must remind our politicians and policy makers that mortgage brokers are vital for healthy competition in the home lending market. 

Regards
Pat Pittavino
Chamber President