Home

Margaret River Chamber of Commerce elects Miriam Bailey as new president

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
New committee members Nick Byrne and Rob Gough with returning members Barbara Maidment, Dee Maijer, Alastair Wilkie, deputy president Melissa d'Ath and new chamber president Miriam Bailey.
Camera IconNew committee members Nick Byrne and Rob Gough with returning members Barbara Maidment, Dee Maijer, Alastair Wilkie, deputy president Melissa d'Ath and new chamber president Miriam Bailey. Credit: Supplied

Margaret River’s Chamber of Commerce has confirmed Miriam Bailey as its new president, with Melissa d’Ath taking up the role of deputy.

The chamber annual general meeting on August 23 at South Regional TAFE saw new committee members Rob Gough, Nick Byrne and Sean Hsu join veterans Alastair Wilkie, Dee Maijer and Barbara Maidment.

Outgoing president d’Ath — who steered the group through one of the most tumultuous periods in the town’s recent retail history including the pandemic and main street redevelopment — was unable to recontest her position because of a three-year cap on the presidency.

Ms Bailey told the Times she was excited and daunted to take the helm.

“Melissa leaves big shoes to fill and I’m grateful she is staying on the committee and will be providing support as the vice-president,” she said.

“We have an amazing executing committee to work with and I know together we will achieve great things for the Margaret River business community.”

Chamber executive officer Annie McFie said the AGM gave members a chance to look back on the benefits of all of their hard work.

“The chamber will continue to advocate for a greater understanding of the integral role business plays in our local community,” she said.

“We will continue to advocate for more action in relation to our housing crisis that is exacerbating issues with staff shortages.”

The chamber was also working on a program with TAFE and Margaret River Senior High School for information sessions to promote school-based traineeships and TAFE pathways to employment to facilitate jobs in local sectors for young people.

“We also have an exciting line-up of business workshops with industry experts, and of course, we will continue to connect and celebrate at our regular networking sundowners and special events,” Ms McFie said.

During the past three years, the chamber had led advocacy for struggling town-centre traders and opposed a recently approved, yet-unplanned supermarket in Rapids Landing amid concerns it could split the local economy.

The chamber also led the Local Is More campaign run with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to support COVID-19-affected traders with promotions, networking, and a first-time gift card, while also securing a permanent presence in the CBD at its Margaret River Business Hub.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails