Launching Gunnedah’s next generation of business leaders

The future of business in Gunnedah doesn’t start tomorrow it’s already here. You can see it in the apprentice who’s just mastered their trade, the young graphic designer with a laptop and a bold idea, the café supervisor juggling rosters and budgets like a seasoned pro, and the quiet achievers in every workplace who are stepping up, showing up, and dreaming big. These are Gunnedah’s emerging leaders. And now, they have a space that truly sees them.

The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to announce the launch of Next Gen, a visionary new initiative created to support, elevate, and empower young professionals aged 16 to 35 across the region. This isn’t just another networking group. It’s a long-term commitment to the future of regional business. A commitment to create leadership pathways that are inclusive, relevant, and shaped by the very people they aim to serve.

The concept for Next Gen was brought to life by Chamber President CJ Baldry Adams, who has been a driving force behind building a future-focused, sustainable Chamber for Gunnedah. For CJ, this initiative is personal a legacy project grounded in years of mentoring, advocating, and working alongside young people with vision and courage.

“Leadership isn’t something that starts when you’re given a title,” CJ explains. “It starts when someone gives you a chance. Next Gen is that chance. It’s our invitation to the next generation of business leaders to stand up, be seen, and shape what comes next.”

This program offers more than just inspiration it’s built for action. Members of Next Gen will have access to events, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities through direct involvement in chamber projects and initiatives. And crucially, it’s free to join until 30 June 2025 under the chamber’s current membership offering.

But this isn’t a one-way street. The chamber isn’t just opening the door it’s stepping back. A dedicated leadership committee will be formed within Next Gen, giving young members the opportunity to guide their own agenda, influence priorities, and represent their peers at the table. There is a genuine appetite from the chamber’s board to offer support and then stand aside. The goal is clear: to let the next generation lead.

The official launch will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Gunnedah Rugby Club Home of the Red Devils. It promises to be more than a celebration it’s the start of a movement. Doors open at 5.30pm, with a keynote address from CJ and a panel discussion to follow, exploring the realities of doing business in rural NSW. Joining the panel are some of the region’s most respected leaders: Michael Broekman, managing director of Namoi Valley Bricks and chair of the chamber’s Strategy 2050 Committee; David Errington, managing director of Apollo Engineering and president of the Tamworth Chamber of Commerce; and Susie Slack-Smith from Collective Media and Slack-Smith Partners. Together, they’ll reflect on entrepreneurial journeys, growth, and regional stewardship. Attendees will be able to sign up for Next Gen membership, connect with mentors, and even nominate for leadership on the night.

Next Gen is open to anyone aged 16 to 35 who is already participating in the workforce or post-school study or training. This includes apprentices, tradies, small business owners, managers, creatives, professionals, and change-makers. However, it is important to note that school students are not eligible for membership—this initiative is focused on those currently on a professional pathway and seeking to build their leadership capacity.

There’s already a buzz of excitement around the initiative. Employers are recognising the value of investing in their younger team members. Young professionals are expressing interest in taking on more responsibility, gaining visibility, and having their voices heard. What makes Next Gen so powerful is its grounding in lived experience and a deep understanding of what rural leadership really looks like—it’s collaborative, hands-on, and community-driven.

For Gunnedah, this initiative couldn’t be timelier. As we face ongoing economic, social and environmental shifts, the need for strong, adaptable, and inclusive leadership is more important than ever. Programs like Next Gen don’t just prepare us for the future—they invite the future to lead.

Whether you’re a young person looking to grow your professional network, an employer ready to support the next wave of talent, or a community member passionate about Gunnedah’s future, this is your invitation to be part of something bigger.

To join, express interest, or learn more, visit www.gunnedah.org.au, email [email protected], and follow the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Next Gen isn’t just an idea it’s a movement. And in true Gunnedah spirit, it’s one that starts with action.