Hunter businesses have been quick to respond to a NSW Business Chamber campaign to help communities suffering from the impacts of bushfire and drought, with more than a dozen immediately answering a call to back the bush.
Backing the bush is a website through which companies and organisations of all sizes can pledge their promise to hold a board, management or staff meeting in one of the affected areas between now and the end of 2020.
Chief Executive Officer, Bob Hawes said the Hunter Business Chamber contacted several member organisations last week inviting them to help get the campaign started and were overwhelmed by the response.
“The support from the business community for bushfire and drought relief efforts has been outstanding. This is the next piece of the puzzle to help sustain small businesses and their staff in affected areas, especially during what is their quiet time,” Bob said.
“While cash donations have been received with great thanks, the next step is for companies to hold meetings normally scheduled for Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong or interstate in one of the impacted towns.
“This will help businesses of all sizes, from accommodation venues to caterers, cleaners, newsagents and local restaurants and cafes – everyone in the town benefits.”
NIB, GH Varley, Bloomfield Group, Compass Housing, the University of Newcastle, Skildare, Castle Personnel, PKF, SingularityU Australia, Rhomberg Rail Australia, Monteath & Powys, Pacific National and Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group are among Hunter organisations that have come on board for the campaign. They join a host of state and national companies that have taken the pledge, including QANTAS, KPMG, Deloitte, the National Rugby League and BlueScope.
The board of the NSW Business Chamber has also agreed to hold its May State Council meeting on the NSW South Coast – a two-day event for more than 60 people.
Bob said companies can sign up for the campaign by visiting the site backingthebush.com.au.
“So many of us in business have watched the crises unfold, feeling at times helpless, but now there is a practical and real way to assist these communities,” Bob said.
“The site will encourage businesses and organisations to use the #BackingTheBush hashtag on social media when their meeting or event occurs.”
The campaign has also received support from the NSW Government.
“This is a fantastic initiative which has the full support of the Government and I will encourage all agencies within government to get involved,” NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said.
IMAGE | Local businesses back Hunter Business Chamber campaign to help communities suffering from the impact of bushfires and drought.