Mayoral Message - Bellingen Shire Forum Series

Published on 01 June 2022

Following the success of the recently co-hosted Eco Think Destination Forum and recognising the importance of ensuring the future of our natural assets, community and culture, and our local business community, I am committed to facilitating a series of localised forums that specifically tailor the discussion to the key themes we have seen come out of our Bellingen Shire Community Vision 2035 review program.

Acknowledging communication and engagement is a priority focus area for the Council and our community alike. This program aligns directly with Council’s core values and Engagement Strategy to ensure our community is informed and engaged with a strong sense of civic leadership.

The forum series, which I expect will evolve as we start the discussions, will look to bring together representative groups from across our diverse community to discuss key topics aligned with the aspirations you have articulated on our community vision.

Council is currently developing its new Economic Development and Tourism Plan so what better way than to start the program by connecting with our local business community. Through our 3 business chambers, I believe Council can play a foundational role in helping our business community thrive through collaboration and involvement in driving a resilient economy that meets the evolving needs of businesses in our Shire.

Recognising the highly active and diverse business community our Shire has, the Bellingen Shire Business Forum will provide a platform for talented local business people to share their successes and learnings, to inspire one another and work towards collective priorities, network with industry leaders, create new alliances and partnerships, keep up-to-date on trends, make valuable connections and exchange business leads. The interactive approach of the forum is a way to have interesting conversations, discuss what is important to businesses and identify key themes to explore as part of the ongoing networking sessions.

The forum series is a step towards building greater communication with our community, opening the discussion to work towards our shared vision to be connected, sustainable and creative and bring people together to create a great outcome not just for our local businesses but for our Shire.