October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region. Read all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses and organisations making life easier for their communities: a Tamworth towing and caravan specialist offering personal service from purchase to repairs, an Inverell not-for-profit creating opportunities and independence for people with disability, and a Coffs Coast family business helping households and businesses clear clutter, move furniture and tackle big clean-ups.
Tow World Tamworth
Big on choice. Personal on service. Tow World Tamworth.
Tamworth, NSW
Finding the right caravan, trailer or part starts with finding someone who listens.
At Tow World Tamworth, owners Gayle and Troy Black take the time to understand what customers need, what they’re planning and what will make life easier. Whether it’s a caravan for a long-awaited adventure, a trailer that needs to work as hard as its owner or a replacement part to keep a holiday on track, the team is ready to help.
Since taking ownership in October 2023, Gayle and Troy have invested in expanding the long-standing business to give Tamworth and the surrounding region more choice and greater local support. Their spacious 1.5-acre premises at 13–17 Lockheed Street, Taminda, brings together caravans, trailers, dirt bikes, quads, towing equipment, parts and accessories, backed by an on-site workshop.
Can’t find what you need? Let the team chase it up.
You don’t need a part number or all the answers before walking through the door. Bring a photo, describe the problem or share your plans. The team will work through the options, check with suppliers and do their best to source what you need. If it’s available to order, they’ll explain the price and expected timing, helping you make an informed decision.
For Gayle and Troy, bringing new caravans back to Tamworth has been an important part of that commitment. Customers can explore layouts, compare features and ask questions locally, with access to servicing and support after the purchase.
As caravanners themselves, the couple understand how much thought goes into choosing a van and preparing for a trip. Their approach is practical and personal: understand how customers intend to travel, help them consider their options and take time at handover to explain the equipment and important safety considerations.
The workshop brings that same customer focus to servicing, repairs and installations. Caravan and trailer maintenance, safety checks, fit-outs, towbars, electric brake controllers and 4×4 accessories help customers prepare for work and travel. Insurance assessments and caravan storage add further convenience.
When unexpected trouble interrupts a journey, Tow World understands there are people, bookings and holiday plans behind the repair. The team works to assess the problem, explain what’s involved and help customers get safely moving again.
Every part of the business comes back to how customers are treated. A warm welcome. Questions taken seriously. Honest advice about the options. Someone prepared to make the calls and follow up.
That’s the business Gayle and Troy are building—a place where a small parts enquiry deserves attention, a major purchase comes with support and customers feel comfortable returning long after the first sale.
Whatever you tow, wherever you’re headed, start with a conversation at Tow World Tamworth.
Northaven Ltd
Building opportunity, independence and inclusion for more than 50 years
Inverell, NSW
For more than 50 years, Northaven Ltd has been helping people with disability build skills, find opportunities and live meaningful, connected lives in Inverell and the surrounding region.
Established in 1969 by dedicated local community members, Northaven was founded on a commitment to creating employment, training and social opportunities for people with disability. Today, the community-based, not-for-profit organisation continues that work, guided by the same founding values.
Northaven creates meaningful workplace experiences through its supported employment programs and social enterprises, including The Haven Café, The Haven Floristry & Giftware and its manufacturing services. These opportunities help people develop practical skills, confidence and independence.
The organisation also supports young children and their families through its Early Intervention Centre, providing tailored support to help children develop essential skills and reach their potential.
At the heart of Northaven’s work is a person-centred approach, with supports shaped around individual goals and delivered with care and respect. The organisation works alongside families and the wider community to create opportunities for people to participate, connect and build greater independence.
As a not-for-profit, Northaven reinvests its resources into supporting local people rather than private shareholders. It is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors drawn from the community, with an experienced leadership team overseeing day-to-day operations.
For Northaven, its most important contribution is measured not simply in services delivered, but in the skills developed, connections formed and opportunities created.
After more than five decades, Northaven remains a local organisation with a clear purpose: helping build a more inclusive community where people with disability can thrive.
The Junk Removers & Pick Up Pros
Locals serving locals since 2003
Coffs Harbour, NSW
From a single unwanted piece of furniture to an entire commercial building clearance, Coffs Harbour’s The Junk Removers & Pick Up Pros helps people tackle jobs big and small.
Husband-and-wife team John and Leanne Cook started their business journey as The Scrap Metal Man in 2003, expanding into rubbish removal in 2015 before introducing Pick Up Pros in 2024 to offer furniture pickups, deliveries and small moves.
Today, the family-run business serves communities from Port Macquarie to Yamba, helping households, property managers and businesses with everything from garage and shed clean-outs to deceased estate clearances, hoarder clean-ups and office relocations.
The two services work hand in hand. Customers can arrange for unwanted items to be removed while also getting help transporting furniture and belongings they want to keep.
John and Leanne understand that clearing a property can involve more than heavy lifting. Whether a family is managing a loved one’s estate, helping someone downsize or facing an overwhelming clean-up, they aim to make the process easier with respectful, practical and non-judgemental service.
Their experience also extends to major commercial projects. They were selected to clear the contents and fittings from the former Coffs Harbour council chambers, as well as assist with clearing a former legal office in Moonee Street.
With roots in scrap metal, the team also separates recyclable materials wherever practical to help reduce waste sent to landfill.
After more than two decades in business, John and Leanne remain focused on the principle that started it all: locals looking after locals.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
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