Chairman’s Chat September 2021

Advocating and Supporting Our Members

Over the last few months, we’ve talked with many members about how they’re handling lockdown. The majority say the same thing: I’m tired, lack motivation, and feel overwhelmed by the daily barrage of information that I need to wade through to work out what I can and can’t do, and what help I can access. You’re not alone – we’re all feeling the pressure. I encourage you to focus on what you can do today, not what you can’t do.

We’ve been working with member businesses and government ministers to provide decision makers with case studies that can assist them in forming policies and plans to support businesses. If you’d like to raise any issue for us to share with our decision makers just email us at [email protected]

The Chamber teams are focused on continuing to deliver opportunities for you to connect and grow your network through our terrific online events and MyCommunity groups. Book yourself in to join us this month.

Update on Chamber plans and activities

At our August General Meeting we updated the membership on our strategic plans and activities. If you missed that event, you could view it on our YouTube Channel.

Finding the right information

When seeking help, I encourage you to go to the source, rather than get your information from media outlets and social media groups. Speak to a professional accountant, bookkeeper, or legal service if you need clarification. You can find these businesses listed in our Member Directory.

To help you cut through some of the noise, we’ve summarized listed some of the key sites where you can find the most up to date information and support services. These sites are regularly updated by the government as they release policy changes:

Service NSW – Help for Business (Grants and Support)

Commercial leases and COVID-19 FAQs

Fair Work – COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace

Fair Work – Quarantine and self-isolation: pay and leave options

Support Your Mental Health – Beyond Blue

COVID Rules (NSW)

COVID-19 vaccination in NSW

All government services have translation services available in hundreds of languages. If you do need translation support to ensure you understand clearly what support is available and how to access it.

September events

September 15th Celebrating Women In Business Mini Conference (12 Noon – 2pm on Zoom)

Join us for the Celebrating Women in Business Mini Conference with two great speakers:

  • Danica Leys (CEO of Country Women’s Association NSW) and
  • Gelina Talbot (Assistant Commissioner Capability, Performance and Youth Command, NSW Police Force).

You’ll also be able to choose from a range of breakroom topics to help you learn and grow.

Find out more and register here.

September 29th Business After Five (12 Noon – 2pm on Zoom)

Join us online for the Business After 5 hosted by Amongst. Tiz Porreca shares the real reasons that your marketing isn’t working, and what you need to know and understand before speaking to marketing suppliers like video producers, copywriters, SEO, social media and branding experts.

Find out more and register here.

About the author:

Kerrie Sheaves, Chairman, Sydney Hills Business Chamber.

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