April 2, 2014
The Wondai Chamber Of Commerce will be holding a public meeting later this month in an effort to find a new direction for the group.
The Chamber was put into mothballs at last month’s meeting because of dwindling attendances and the difficulty of sourcing volunteers willing to take up positions on the executive.
The Chamber plays a key role in organising the town’s annual Wondai Christmas Carols, and for many years ran the Wondai Markets (which are now run by the Wondai Regional Art Gallery).
Another popular Chamber initiative has been the introduction of regular “Meet & Greets” in Coronation Park which welcome new citizens to the town.
Former Wondai Mayor Percy Iszlaub told southburnett.com.au yesterday that long-standing members such as butcher Jim Ryan, Wayne Bond from Wondai Real Estate and Andrew Hobbs from Hobbs and Associates Accountants had all served several terms in key executive roles.
“These people have put in a tremendous effort but the time has come to bring in some fresh ideas and new blood,” he said.
Mr Iszlaub said he thought the problems affecting the Chamber weren’t unique to Wondai.
“Since the council amalgamations many of our region’s smaller towns have felt they’ve lost a bit of their identity,” he said.
“This feeling makes it harder to encourage people to get involved in their community.
“Another difficulty is that most South Burnett businesses are small family concerns and they can find it hard to get involved in public life because of all the other demands that running a small business places on their time.
“But it’s possible the Chamber can broaden its membership to involve other parts of the community.
“So we’re holding a public meeting to look at all the options and see what our community wants.”
The meeting will be held at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, and will be chaired by South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann.
All interested people are encouraged to attend, and light refreshments will be served.
[UPDATED with correction]
