KCCI Hub project manager Darrin Kefford, fourth from left, with representatives from some of the many local businesses which have supported the Hub project

December 6, 2022

There was some big news shared at the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual general meeting last week, including the fact that from next year the business association will have a full-time paid manager.

Executive member Nina Temperton (South Burnett CTC) announced that a local businessman, Mick Johnson, had stepped forward to sponsor the KCCI to employ a manager in 2023.

It had been part of the KCCI’s strategic plan to find funding for a full-time manager, and the Chamber had been trying for some time to find a way to raise enough funds.

But then came “manna from heaven”.

Mrs Temperton said J.A. Carroll solicitors had drawn up a contract to formalise the arrangements.

Current president Damien Martoo will take on the role, resigning from his position as an announcer at CROW-FM.

His office will be in the new KCCI Hub (the former Trendsetter building) in Kingaroy Street.

The AGM was also an opportunity for KCCI members to inspect the Hub, which is almost complete.

Signwriting and the installation of some IT equipment is still outstanding but the KCCI has taken control of the premises from the project manager, Darrin Kefford (Kingaroy Joinery).

Mr Kefford thanked all the sponsors who had supported the project.

These include Stanwell, the South Burnett Regional Council, AMG Electrical Solutions, Astills Electrical, ATC Engineers, Andersen’s Carpets, Crowies Paints, Favier Building Industries, Fiedler Brothers Plumbing, Kingaroy Joinery, Kingaroy Office Central and T&C Painters.

The Hub will be officially opened early next year.

Mrs Temperton also had some big news of her own, a $63,000 boost to South Burnett CTC’s emergency homelessness funding after a Stanwell bowls day held in Brisbane (see separate report).

* * *

Former South Burnett mayor Keith Campbell took the chair for the election of the KCCI office bearers.

Twelve nominations were received ahead of the AGM so none were taken from the floor.

Elected unopposed in two groups of six were: Lachlan Brown (Pakaderinga Feedlot), Jason Erbacher (South Burnett CTC), Steven Fiedler (Fiedler Brothers Plumbing), Paula Greenwood (PG Mobile Bookkeeping), Darrin Kefford (Kingaroy Joinery), Damien Martoo (The Martoo Review), Chrys McDuffie (CA Design & Print), David Musch (Ken Mills Toyota), Daniel Pelcl (Burnett Today), Michael Sanford (Bunyarra Counselling), Nina Temperton (South Burnett CTC) and Jacqui Trace (Bill Hull Car Centre).

Mr Erbacher is the only new face on the committee; he replaces Rob Fitz-Herbert who resigned from the committee.

Mr Martoo will continue as president and begin his full-time paid position on January 1.

Mrs Trace will remain as vice-president and Paula Greenwood will continue in her role as secretary/treasurer.

Related articles:

Darrin Kefford (Kingaroy Joinery), Mick Astill (Astills Electrical) and Steven Fiedler (Fiedler Brothers Plumbing)
KCCI president Damien Martoo with Cameron Plum (Stanwell / BUMA Australia)
Cr Jane Erkens and Cr Kathy Duff were guests at the KCCI AGM
Jacinda Gibson and Shae Cull, from South Burnett Hearing
Melissa Lee, from Andersens Carpets, with Jason Erbacher and Nina Temperton, from South Burnett CTC
Local businesspeople had the opportunity to inspect the new KCCI Hub building in Kingaroy Street

 

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