Tamworth business and community leader Tim Coates has been recognised for more than four decades of service to regional NSW, receiving a Service to the Region Award as Business NSW celebrates its bicentenary.
Coates was one of 10 people from across NSW honoured at the Business NSW Bicentenary Celebration Gala at Sydney Town Hall.
The Service to the Region Awards recognise individuals who have made a lasting difference to their communities through leadership, enterprise and service.
A prominent figure in Tamworth’s business and community organisations, Coates has spent more than 40 years working across business, advocacy, mentoring, local government, sport and regional development.
Business NSW Regional Director for New England North West Stephanie Cameron said the award recognised the breadth of Coates’ contribution to Tamworth and the wider region.
“Tim Coates has dedicated more than 40 years to strengthening our region through business leadership, regional advocacy and community service. Few people have contributed so broadly, or so consistently, to the success of the New England North West.”
Coates began his career in the hospitality and club industry, rising to senior executive and CEO roles before establishing Australian Training and Consulting. He built the company into a regional business supporting workforce development and industries across regional Australia.
His involvement in Tamworth’s business community included nine years as President of the Tamworth Business Chamber.
He later became the inaugural President of the New England North West Business Chamber, helping formally establish the region within the Business NSW network and advocating for inland regional issues at a state level.
Coates also served two terms as President of the New England North West Regional Advisory Council and currently represents regional chambers across the state as President of the Regional Presidents for Business NSW.
“Tim has never sought recognition for his efforts. Instead, he has focused on helping others succeed, whether that’s supporting local businesses, championing regional priorities or mentoring the next generation of leaders. His influence can be seen right across our business community today.”
Cameron said mentoring and leadership development had been an important part of Coates’ contribution.
“Tim has mentored hundreds of business owners, executives and emerging leaders over many years. Through his work as a business adviser, mentor and Vistage CEO Chair, he continues to strengthen businesses and build leadership capability across regional NSW. The ripple effect of that contribution will be felt for many years to come.”
Coates’ contribution to Tamworth has extended beyond the business community.
He has served as a Tamworth Regional Councillor, President of the Tamworth Jockey Club, President of the Tamworth Football Federation and President of the Tamworth Regional Development Corporation.
His other regional roles have included Chair of Northern Inland Football and Chair of the Greater Northern Skills Development Group.
His service has previously been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship, the New England North West Business Leader of the Year award in 2016, the Zonta Male Advocate Award in 2018 and life memberships of several organisations.
Business NSW President Joseph Carrozzi AM said the Service to the Region Award recipients reflected the contribution individuals make to regional communities.
“Across NSW, there are people who quietly get on with the job of making their communities stronger. They create opportunities, support local businesses and bring people together.”
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said recognising those contributions was fitting as the organisation marked 200 years.
“As Business NSW marks 200 years, it is fitting to recognise people whose leadership, enterprise and community spirit have made a lasting contribution to the places they call home.”
Cameron said Coates’ influence would continue to be felt across Tamworth and the New England North West.
“Tim’s contribution is best described as a lifetime of service to regional business and community. He has strengthened organisations, built capability in future leaders and ensured our region’s voice is heard. This award celebrates not just what he has achieved, but the lasting legacy he continues to create,” Cameron said.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now