Meeting re Dowling Street Events 1 July 2026

Wednesday July 1st 5.30 for 6pm @ Settlers Arms Upstairs

 The Chamber warmly invites you to a special gathering where we'll be sharing exciting plans for two major community events coming up later this year:

• Pedalfest: September 25–27, 2026

• Dowling Street Christmas Party: Friday afternoon, November 27, 2026

The dedicated Pedalfest Committee has been working hard to create a vibrant three-day program, full of new ideas and activities. Nic McLaughlin and Jack Caldwell will be along to present what's in store and hear your thoughts!

To make Saturday's Pedalfest event truly spectacular, Pedalfest committee would love to partner with Dowling Street businesses. Your support and participation are key to making this event a success.

We'll also be discussing the much-loved Dowling Street Christmas Party. This festive event has thrived thanks to the Chamber committee and a wonderful group of volunteers, but we would be thrilled to welcome more input and help from local businesses. Now is the perfect time to get involved and help shape this year's celebration!

Community groups always bring extra joy to the Christmas Party with their activities and stalls, so your ideas and assistance would be greatly appreciated.

We hope you can join us for an evening of collaboration, inspiration, and community spirit!

Regards
Colin Norman
A/Secretary

Networking Event - 16 July

Our next networking dinner will be preceded by a workshop/discussion of the results of the recent membership survey. The survey results are available here.

Overall we had a reasonable level of participation by members (28 out of 93 members) and others (an additional 15).  It is very encouraging that virtually all members participating are Moderately or Very Satisfied  with their DDCC membership, and think the DDCC makes a valuable contribution to the Dungog Shire community.

 Nonetheless, lots of comments have been provided about how we could do more and better. The DDCC Committee is currently assessing the suggestions and considering the options. One significant constraint for the Committee is the limited resources (both dollars and people time) available to implement new initiatives.

 As the next step, we are using our next networking dinner on 16 July to have a workshop/discussion of these survey results.

Bob Hawes, Hunter CEO for Business NSW will be attending to facilitate discussions and help come up with a meaningful action plan.

Details of the workshop and dinner are:

When:                Thursday 16 July, starting at 6:00pm
Where:              Dungog RSL Club
Catering:          Participants are encouraged to stay for dinner at the RSL from about 7:00pm (payment direct to RSL)
RSVP:                 Please let us know by email if you are coming so we can get the logistics right!

We look forward to sharing a important evening with you.

Regards,

Colin Norman
A/Secretary
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce
mail:  secretary@ddcc.org.au

Future of Farming Forum 24 July 2026

Future of Farming Forum – Friday July 24 - Dungog RSL auditorium - 4pm to 6pm

You are invited to our first Future of Farming Forum for 2026. We have a great line up of speakers on a variety of topics. We hope you will come along to be informed and amazed at the innovation in the rural scene happening in our region.

There will be time to ask questions of our speakers after their presentation.

Speakers for the forum:-

Karissa from Hunter Valley Goat Hire

Hunter Valley Goat Hire is an established vegetation and terrain management business created by a family of innovative women from Mount Vincent, NSW.

The company was born from a desire to promote ethically and environmentally sustainable solutions to vegetation management problems for property owners in the Lower Hunter Valley, with a strong focus on animal welfare and reverse carbon burdening.

Kristen Nicol Allynview Farm

Is an agricultural innovator from Gresford is gaining international recognition. Co owner of Allynview Farmr Kristen was named a finalist in the prestigious Woman Changing the World Awards.

About Allynview – Paddock to Plate Beef -  “Know exactly where your food comes from. When you buy from Allynview Farm, you're buying directly from the family that raises the animals and works the land — real people on a real farm in the Hunter Valley, committed to providing healthy, fresh, and nutrient-dense food for your family.”

Emma Spartalis – Clarence Town resident and owner and founder of Spartalis Consulting.

Emma will be speaking about Artificial Intelligence for Rural Businesses.

How AI tools are taking the pressure off rural business – from farm planning and compliance to content creation, admin, and business growth.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development  - Farm Business Resilience Program

A relatively new program brought out by this department which supersedes most of their previous programs.

Speaker 1. Liam Dooley.  Senior Project Officer (Farm Business Resilience Programm

Speaker 2. Adam Turner Local farmer and implementer of the programme.  Adam will detail aspects pertinent to his operation, any issues involved during implementation as well as subsequent benefits - both measurable and anticipated.

Brief updates from some previous presenters

We invite you to stay on at the RSL Club afterwards to enjoy a drink and a meal at the restaurant. Thank you to the Dungog RSL for hosting us and providing us with this great venue.

If you would like to come along to this free event please rsvp using the Try booking link to do so. https://www.trybooking.com/DNLUL

Hope to see you there.

 Regards

Marion Stuart

For and on behalf of the Future of Farming Committee

mail:  secretary@ddcc.org.au
mobile:  0428 921 899
website: www.ddcc.org.au

Online Training - Hunter Business Hub

Details of online training in digital issues is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/hunter-region-business-hub-12870184033