A bold new look and renewed focus are setting the stage for a new era for Business Uralla, as the organisation embraces a refreshed identity and outlines a clear vision for the year ahead.
The group, previously known as Uralla Shire Business Chamber, has rebranded to better reflect its purpose and position within the business community. The change, according to newly elected President Beth Platford, was prompted by a need to distinguish the chamber from local government and align more closely with the state’s peak advocacy body.
“It was noted by several members that people seemed to confuse our name ‘Uralla Shire Business Chamber’ with ‘Uralla Shire Council’. We needed to clearly define ourselves as a uniquely identifiable entity,” said Platford.
The new logo, based on the infinity symbol, reflects the strong relationship between business and community.
“One cannot grow and thrive without the other,” she said.
A new executive team brings fresh energy to the chamber’s leadership. Platford has taken over from Col Hull as President, while Anne Rix has been elected Vice President, taking over from Claire Mailler. Teresa French is the new secretary, replacing Platford in that crucial role, while trusted treasurer, David Mailler, continues for another term.
“I look forward to a productive year with our new executive team, who bring so much experience to our leadership roles,” Platford said.
“We will work towards building stronger and more respectful relationships between our businesses, our community and local policymakers.”
Recognising Uralla’s smaller scale, Business Uralla is focusing on targeted initiatives to make a difference.
“It is more important that we facilitate opportunities that improve the growth of our visitor economy by working with sporting groups, cultural groups, and local government, as well as promoting community-building opportunities, such as our upcoming Small Business Month Networking event.”
For such a small centre, there is a lot of life and possibility, with interest from both residents and businesses in moving to Uralla and getting involved in the magic buzz the shire generates.
“It is definitely the people who make Uralla such a vibrant community,” Platford said.
“Uralla is never what you expect. We’re just real people who are not afraid to have a bit of fun.”
The next few months are set to be busy and plenty of fun, with networking events and support for a host of community festivals, from the Thunderbolt Festival and Bundarra Garden Festival to the Uralla Christmas Street Fair.
“We will again engage our local residents to help fill the town with the festive spirit during December through our Christmas Lights competition,” Platford said.
The group will also be advocating for improvements to make things easier for local businesses and to help grow the economy locally.
“Several businesses have indicated the development application process is still hindering business growth in the area, as well as cost-of-doing-business pressures (rates, water, power, etc.),” she said.
“We also need to plan how Local Government can better work with local businesses to promote Uralla as a destination rather than just a convenient stopping point between Sydney and Brisbane.”
“Our community has grown under the visitor economy with the CBD evolving into an eclectic mix of personalities who thrive on personal interaction and storytelling,” she said
“Despite being a township steeped in history, there is always something new to discover and explore.”
For more information about Business Uralla and their upcoming events, visit their Facebook Page.
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