Macleay Valley Business Chamber

03/09/2026

"What’s ahead for business in the Kempsey Shire?"

If you own or operate a business locally, these are the conversations you want to be part of.

Kempsey Shire Council is hosting a Business Breakfast next week, bringing together local, Council and regional perspectives to discuss what's ahead for business and economic development across our Shire.

MVBC President Jarrod Lipscombe will be part of the panel, joining Kempsey Shire Council CEO Andrew Meddle and RDA Mid North Coast CEO Madeleine Lawler.

On the table:

• The year ahead for Council
• Opportunities for local business
• Development pathways
• Building a strong regional economy

This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people working across these areas, ask questions and better understand what’s ahead for business, development and investment in the Kempsey Shire.

Tickets are almost gone, so if you want to be part of the conversation, don’t leave it too late.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/business-breakfast-kempsey-shire-tickets-1998469868173?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

02/09/2026

Let’s get behind one of our MVBC members!

Crescent Head Tavern is in the running for the AHA NSW People’s Choice Award, and they’re calling on locals to help put Cresco on the map.

If the Crescent Head Tavern gets your vote for the best pub in the state, take a minute to cast it and show some support for a local business representing our part of the world.

There’s a little something in it for you too — everyone who votes goes into the draw to win one of four $250 gift cards to dine at their favourite pub.

It only takes a minute to vote. Let’s see how much support the Macleay can send their way!

Vote via the link in Crescent Head Tavern’s post.

Creso, we need your help and love! 🫶🏼

If you think we are the best pub in the state, please vote for us in the AHA’s People’s Choice Awards via the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZGCS58V

By voting, you go into the draw to win one of four $250 gift cards to dine at your favourite pub.

Vote for where everyone drops in.

28/08/2026

Join the Macleay Valley Business Chamber and Mid North Coast Police District Superintendent Shane Cribb for an informative discussion on the current business safety and security landscape across the Macleay.

This session will provide local business owners and operators with an update on current trends, insights into the types of incidents affecting businesses, and practical advice on how to effectively report incidents to police. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues that matter most to your business.

Whether you've experienced an incident recently or simply want to stay informed, this is an opportunity to hear directly from local police and better understand how businesses and law enforcement can work together to create a safer business community.

Members and non-members welcome. Tickets are free, but booking is mandatory
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/business-safety-security-with-police-superintendent-shane-cribb-tickets-1998659337882

26/08/2026

Two more local businesses have joined the MVBC!

Please join us in welcoming our newest members:

Macleay Valley Landscapes
Locally owned and operated by Troy, Macleay Valley Landscapes provides landscaping, garden construction and outdoor solutions across the Macleay Valley.

South Kempsey Tyres
Keeping locals on the road with tyres, wheels, fitting and automotive services, South Kempsey Tyres is a well-established part of the South Kempsey business community.

It’s great to have two more locally owned businesses join our growing Chamber network. Welcome aboard!

25/08/2026

Great community events don't happen without businesses getting behind them.

The Kempsey Truck Show returns on Saturday 12 September, and we're proud to see two MVBC members, RedPoint and Mavin Truck Centre, among the businesses sponsoring this year's event.

The Truck Show has become an important fixture on our local events calendar and a great day out for truck enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike. But its impact extends well beyond the day itself, with every dollar raised going back into the local community to support charities, emergency services and sporting organisations. Last year's show raised more than $25,000.

It's a great example of the important role businesses play in our community. Their support helps make events like this possible, while the events themselves bring people together, attract visitors to our region and give back to local organisations.

Add this one to the family calendar, or grab a mate and head along for a great day.

📍 Crystalite, 42–102 South Street, South Kempsey
🕘 Gates open 9am

21/08/2026

New members are always exciting, but we appreciate every business that chooses to renew their membership just as much.

A big thank you to Gowings Bros Ltd, Pilot Station Pizza, Heritage Beachside Cafe , Coastal Wealth Directions, Anytime Fitness and Bucket Brewery for continuing to be part of the Macleay Valley Business Chamber.

And this month, we’re also very pleased to welcome Ellerslie Flowers as our newest member.

Leanne is a staple of the Smith Street business landscape. From Kempsey House & Garden (who remembers?) to Ellerslie Flowers, Leanne has helped locals mark the special moments, the difficult moments, the “I deserve to treat myself” moments — and plenty of moments in between.

Welcome to the Chamber, Leanne, and thank you to all of our renewing members for continuing to back what we’re building for the Macleay Valley business community.

19/08/2026

We love seeing local businesses come together to create something new for our community.

Two MVBC members, Sol Wellness Studio and One in Health Naturopathy , have joined forces with PMQ Health to bring "Between Us" to Frederickton — creating a space where women feel comfortable talking about the things that often go unspoken.

Between Us is an evening for women to come together and have open conversations about intimacy, pelvic health and wellness, while celebrating local businesses with beautiful refreshments, Australian women-founded products and thoughtful collaborations.

Hosted by SOL Wellness Studio, PMQ Health and One in Health Naturopathy at House of Sonder in Frederickton, the evening is about making women's health more approachable. You'll hear from local women's health practitioners, have the chance to ask questions in a relaxed setting, connect with other local women, and leave with practical knowledge you can actually use.

Book your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/solwellnessstudio-between-us

18/08/2026

Launch Pad is back for Round 2 — and we're backing it.

After seeing what was achieved in the first round of the Launch Pad Youth Entrepreneur Program, the Macleay Valley Business Chamber is proud to be supporting the program again — and this time, we're putting our money where our mouth is.

In Round 1, members of the MVBC executive contributed as guest speakers, one-on-one mentors and panel judges, sharing their experience and helping participants work through the realities of starting and growing a business.

For Round 2, we're stepping up that support with speakers, mentors and judges, as well as a financial contribution and in-kind support to help make the program possible.

Led by MVBC member Julie Humphris-Business Life Guide, Launch Pad achieved some fantastic results the first time around, helping a group of young entrepreneurs develop their ideas, build confidence and take practical steps forward in business. We can't wait to see what Round 2 delivers.

The fully funded program is open to current or future business owners aged 18–30 and includes:

• 10 weeks of guided support
• In-person workshops covering the essentials of starting and growing a business
• One-on-one mentoring
• Practical support to turn a business idea into something real

Applications close 24 August, with the program commencing 1 September. Places are limited to 15 participants.

If you know a young entrepreneur already in business, or someone sitting on a great start-up idea who just needs some help taking the next step, let them know about Launch Pad.

They can reach out to the Chamber and we'll happily connect them with Julie.

We saw what Round 1 could do. Now we're ready to help launch the next group.

17/08/2026

We’re incredibly proud to see our region represented among the finalists in the 2026 Business NSW - Mid North Coast Business Awards, with MVBC members recognised across four finalist positions.

Congratulations to:

Macleay Air - Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Electrical
Finalist – Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under)

Sol Wellness Studio
Finalist – Outstanding New Business

Waves Campground
Finalist – Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
Finalist – Excellence in Sustainability

And we’re very proud to be joining them, with the Macleay Valley Business Chamber named as a finalist for 'Outstanding Local Chamber'

These awards bring together businesses from across the Mid North Coast, and it’s fantastic to see Macleay Valley businesses performing at the top of their fields and representing our region on a much bigger stage.

We also want to acknowledge the local businesses who put themselves forward this year but didn't progress to the finalist stage. This year saw a huge increase in applications and fierce competition across the categories. Not being named a finalist takes nothing away from what you have achieved in your business, or the work that went into putting your story forward. You should be proud of what you've built and proud to have backed yourselves.

To our finalists — congratulations. We’ll be cheering you on at the Regional Awards Gala in September.

16/08/2026

MVBC member Arden & Stone is giving you a very good reason to take a short trip north this weekend with A Taste of Indonesia.

Head to Eungai for an opportunity to experience authentic Indonesian cuisine, discover some new flavours and enjoy something a little different.

We love seeing our members trying new things and creating unique experiences, so if you're looking for something different to do this weekend, gather a few friends, take the drive and make a night of it.

Head to their page, give them a follow, and find the event post with the link to tickets.