Lynne Mowbray |

Around 50 people attended the Grafton Chamber of Commerce first breakfast meeting for the year on Wednesday morning of last week, at the Clocktower Hotel in Grafton.

The Chamber’s vice-president Phil Belletty gave the official welcome, on behalf of president Justin James, who was unwell.

Mr Belletty gave a rundown on where the Chamber was up to regarding the CCTV cameras; saying that the extensive process should finally see the start of the installation of the cameras, by May or June this year.

He told the gathering of the Chamber’s vision, for Grafton becoming an Intermodal Hub (a transport interchange) which would create jobs, infrastructure and opportunities.

“We are losing too many of our young people to the big cities,” Mr Belletty said.

“If we don’t create jobs for them now, it will be too hard in the future,” he said.

Guest speakers at the breakfast meeting were Robyn Simon – Digital Business Advisor and Chris Gulaptis MP.

Ms Simon spoke on demographic changes, intergenerational workforce changes, technology influences and how to best prepare your business for digital growth.

Mr Gulaptis began his talk by congratulating the Grafton Chamber for being a strong Chamber which is connecting with the State Government; and for its foresight regarding the Intermodal Hub.

Mr Gulaptis gave a general update on the upcoming elections which was followed by an overview of the latest Clarence Valley news; infrastructure projects eg the Grafton and Harwood Bridges, Grafton Gaol and the services which are coming to Grafton to support this infrastructure.

He also touched on the Yamba TAFE facility, Grafton Regional Gallery, tourism, police, teachers and hospitals and medical staff.

At the conclusion of his talk Mr Gulaptis took questions from the floor.