History

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was formed in the late 1980’s with the principal objective to create a more cohesive business community.  It sought to offer experienced and successful business people to advise and support local businesses with representation to all levels of government. The organisation was formally incorporated on the 7thNovember 1991.

The driving force behind the establishment of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was the late Tony Doyle who was the New South Wales State Member for Peats (now Gosford). The Foundation President was Paul Tonkin from Tonkin Drysdale Solicitors at Woy Woy who led the Chamber successfully for the next 7 years.

There were a number of people within the community who worked very hard to strengthen the chamber to give it the respect and integrity that it still carries today.  Don Wilson from Wilson Graham Associates Woy Woy (accountants), Mary Donovan from LJ Hookers Real Estate Woy Woy and Peter Macintyre from Harmer & Cassin Umina Beach were the founding executive members who successfully drove the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

Some of their early accomplishments included the management of the Umina Beach Tea Rooms & Tourist Information Centre and various events such as the Australia Day Parades at Woy Woy and Santa Parades at Umina Beach.

A major turning point for the Chamber came in 1998 when the Peninsula Mainstreet Program was established with funding from the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, NSW State & Regional Development and Gosford City Council.  The strength of this program saw the successful street upgrading of the Ettalong Beach town centre (in conjunction the Ettalong Beach Heritage Committee), the Umina Beach town centre and Woy Woy commercial district under the project management of Peninsula Mainstreet Co-ordinator, Debra Wales.

While the main street revitalisation at Ettalong Beach was initially funded through the Federal Government’s Work for the Dole Program, this was matched dollar for dollar with funds raised by the local business community.  The work was extended to include the Ettalong Beach foreshore and reserve improvements which were funded by the Federal Government and Gosford City Council.

Gosford City Council continued funding for the Mainstreet Program under the 1998 Financial Strategy with allocations of $1M to Ettalong Beach; $1.5M to Umina Beach and $1.5M to Woy Woy for town centre improvements.

In July 1998 Matthew Wales of Wales& Associates(Urban Design Consultants)succeeded Paul Tonkin and was elected President of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.  He continues to lead the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce today in a voluntary capacity. With a hardworking and strong executive, the Chamber continues to work towards improvements our town centres.

Achievements

The Chamber is known in Government circles as the “biggest small Chamber of Commerce” in the region through is focused and vocal efforts to promote small business on the Woy Woy Peninsula. Some key milestones include:-

Ø  the successful incorporation of the Chamber in 1991;

Ø  the establishment of the Peninsula Mainstreet Program in all three town centres which continues today;

Ø  the highly successful Peninsula Business Awards in 2000;

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