New era of business leadership at Gunnedah’s Next Gen

From banking to health, agriculture, electrical trades and real estate – the Next Gen membership features a diverse working background.

One thing in common for this young leadership team is a shared passion to see local small business, succeed.

“It’s about helping other young businesses in a similar situation to us, trying to get a business off the ground and grow,” Next Gen member Zac Crowhurst said.

Next Gen has been developed in partnership with the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The network of young business-minded people aims to offer emerging professionals aged 16 to 35 the chance to lead, connect, and grow in their local communities.

After a successful launch night earlier this year, Next Gen candidates took the next step in their advocacy and met for an ‘activation’ evening last week.

Among them was new Gunnedah-based business owner, Zac Crowhurst.

The electrical tradesman said starting his own business about two years ago was a big learning curve.

“I’d like to think I’m a pretty good tradesman but when you start a business it’s almost like starting a trade again,” Mr Crowhurst said.

“Learning the business side of things like tax and payroll, marketing … you never get taught that (as a tradesman),” Mr Crowhurst added.

“It’s like trial by fire.”

Although the business learning curve has been steep, he said it’s also been immensely rewarding.

“My passion is more on the business now, rather than pulling cables through a roof,” he said.

Mr Crowhurst hoped Next Gen would offer the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals to navigate business challenges.

“[Business] can be a lonely place sometimes, but having that network to bounce around ideas is a valuable thing,” he said.

He was also looking forward to being actively part of the decision-making process for the wider business community.

“Getting involved can only benefit everyone,” he said.

Another keen to be involved was mother of two and business owner, Mel Bartlett.

Nursing seven-week-old Harvey in her arms, Ms Bartlett explained how their family runs an agriculture-related business near Gunnedah.

As a “bookkeeper by trade”, Mel hoped to draw on her financial expertise with Next Gen.

She also hoped to see more health services in town, particularly in maternity, and was excited to help “shape the future of Gunnedah” through the news business network.

Others in attendance included Jess Barber who works in the health field and was eager to inspire more people to take up roles in the industry.

Hollie Pounder, who operates a gym fitness business, said it was good to meet with other people with similar business interests.

“The support is needed,” she said.

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce president CJ Baldry Adams delivered a brief overview of upcoming opportunities for Next Gen, including a glance at the ‘Gunnedah Beyond 2025 Strategy’ a ‘regional blueprint’ designed to guide the future of investment and growth in the region.

Ms Baldry Adams said the Next Gen membership would decide its future direction.

“We want you (the membership) to set the Next Gen agenda,” she said.

Power of collective advocacy

Peter Morrissey knows a thing or two about regional advocacy.

As an industry advisor with HunterNet – an organisation which aims to help businesses ‘grow, innovate and thrive’ – Mr Morrissey is keenly invested in promoting growth in regional NSW.

An electrical fitter by trade who has diversified his career across many industries, sectors and disciplines, Mr Morrissey is now also a ‘connector’ with Next Gen.

The mentorship role will see him help guide the new Next Gen leadership committee.

One of his main messages would be for regional business to stop operating in ‘silos’ and instead collaborate to make meaningful change.

“We’ve got to stop being isolated in our regions – we’re one NSW, one Australia,” Mr Morrissey said.

The industry expert said regions like Gunnedah collectively have the resources, innovation and expertise to tackle the biggest challenges – but these qualities must be harnessed together, not in isolation.

Mr Morrissey said regional areas have a “get on and do it” attitude that holds great weight in comparison to their city counterparts.

He said there is less resistance for tackling big problem issues – traits which can be enhanced by working together.

“No matter where I go, everyone talks about planning being the biggest problem in regional NSW but we’re not fixing it,” he said.

“There’s such big potential in key areas like renewables, new energy, biofuels and systems of farming.”

Mr Morrissey said the “excitement and passion” of young leaders like those with Next Gen, hold great promise for the future of regional NSW.

“We need to help them build their passion to be the change,” he said.

Next Gen leadership committee:

President: Georgia Campbell.

Vice Presidents: Zac Crowhurst and Dr Sarah Woodford.

Secretaries: Mel Bartlett and Emily Wall.

Treasurer: Zachary Moore.

Marketing and Membership Engagement: Olivia Carter.

These leaders will be supported by committee representatives, including Jessica Barber, Hollie Pounder and Sewa Emojong, among others.