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Inspiring Our Youth
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Stories of Resilience

How To Survive From Those Who Have

Businesses in the Northern Inland Region have done it tough during the last ten years. The worst drought on record, preceeded the 20219-20 bushfires, the covid-19 pandemic and significant flooding events. Our communities and businesses have endured one unpredictable challenge after another.

Through the support of the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Resilience and Recovery Fund, we are proud to share the stories of twelve local businesses in bushfire impacted areas who have taken on these challenges and survived.

Their stories are a source of inspiration, and from their experience, other small businesses can learn how to face the challenges the future has to hold. They highlight how other businesses can embrace change, develop product offerings and look to the future to increase their own resilience. By learning from their experiences, we can work together towards a prosperous future for our region.

Hear stories from local business owners about:

 

Embracing Change

 

Peter Sandral

Sandstock

Tingha

Peter shares how he used the bushfires to start anew and adapted for future resilience.

Watch Peter's Story or Read Peter's Story

 

Larry McPherson

Gwydir Meats

Warialda

Peter shares how he changed his supply chain to reduce costs and survive.

Watch Larry's Story or Read Larry's Story

 

Sheree Thrift

Sherelle Fashions

Tenterfield

Sheree shares how she utilised social media to keep customers engaged with her customers.

Watch Sheree's Story or Read Sheree's Story

 

Warren Yeomans

Greenhill Orchards

Arding

Warren shares how he seived an opportunity to utilise a harvest by-product to serve a neiche market.

Watch Warren's Story or Read Warren's Story

 

Developing Product Offerings

 

Julie Bird

Sleepy Merino

Inverell

Julie shares how she value-added to her wool farm and created a new product to aid income stability.

Watch Julie's Story or Read Julie's Story

 

Sue Waters

Carelles Toy Store

Glen Innes

Sue shares how remaining true to her passion has made her store unique and competitive.

Watch Sue's Story or Read Sue's Story

 

Tom Croft and Dan Emery

The Welder's Dog

Armidale

Tom and Dan share how they connected with local producers and diversified to continue sales during lockdowns.

Watch Tom and Dan's Story or Read Their Story

 

Jeffery Mahlenhoff

Moonbi General Store

Moonbi

Jeffery shares their nationally awarded story of adapting to the needs of their community.

Watch Jeffery's Story or Read Jeffery's Story

 

Planning For The Future

 

Peter King

Walcha Veterinary Supplies

Walcha

Peter shares how retaining his staff was key to recovering after the bushfires.

Watch Peter's Story or Read Peter's Story

 

Tim Alt

Alt Brothers Beekeeping

Glen Innes

TIm shares how doing everything he could to survive the hard times kept his business alive.

Watch Tim's Story or Read Tim's Story

 

Kristen Lovett

Tenterfield Business Chamber

Tenterfield

Kristen shares how local businesses joined forces to create the Tenterfield True initiative and their innovative raffle program

Watch Kristen's Story or Read Kristen's Story

 

Ken Flower

Kaputar Motors

Narrabri

Ken shares how managing cashflow, forecasting income and cutting costs was crucial to the survival of his business.

Watch Ken's Story or Read Ken's Story

 

This is a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund project through the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Although funding for this product has been provided by both the Australian and NSW Governments, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either government.

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Address 143 Marsh Street
Armidale NSW 2350
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Armidale NSW 2350
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