THERE has never been a more exciting time for Tamworth’s business sector, according to outgoing chamber president Lia Mahony as she reflects on her time in the top job.
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Ms Mahony, one of the region’s most recognised businesswomen and pharmacists, stepped down from her six-year stint on Tamworth Business Chamber’s board on Thursday, citing work and other commitments.
Ms Mahony has served as president for the last year.
While the chamber looks to appoint her successor at its first meeting, Ms Mahony has no doubts the new board will lead the city as it undergoes rapid economic growth.
“There’s a really good mix of returning directors and new faces so it’s a really good mix of experience and new ideas,” Ms Mahony said.
“Tamworth has so many opportunities now.
“To be optimistic, to go in with a growth mindset and look for opportunities is really important. Tamworth is in a unique position with resources, capacity and the size of the city on our side.”
Ms Mahony made a significant impact on the local business community through her time on the board, earlier this month calling for more diversity on the chamber, both in occupations and cultures.
It is a sentiment she stands by to take the city forward with a body that reflects the entire community.
I feel as though there’s opportunity to expand on industries growing in Tamworth.
- Lia Mahony
“We’ve always had a diverse mix of industry and also a good male-female mix,” Ms Mahony said.
“I feel as though there’s opportunity to expand on industries growing in Tamworth… The chamber has traditionally (comprised of) professional services, training, as well as hospital and retail, but there’s not many members from agricultural or primary industries sector.”
Ms Mahony pointed to the growth in mines and tech-based businesses, as well as the roll-out of NBN, as opportunities that must be harnessed locally.
“I’d like to publicly thank all the directors and members of the chamber for all they worked to achieve,” she said.