18 September, 2026
Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry are partnering to bring an exciting line-up of free events to the Shire for NSW Small Business Month.
Council’s Engagement and Growth Lead Hannah Taylor said the targeted events were aimed at supporting networking, resilience, and growth for local businesses.
“Small Business Month provides an opportunity to pause, recognise and celebrate the crucial role local businesses play in our economy and community, while also giving business owners the chance to connect, learn and explore new opportunities for growth,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to work alongside the Chamber to offer a range of free workshops and events funded by Council to further future-proof our business community in our Shire.
“Thanks to the Gunnedah branch of the Commonwealth Bank and the Australian Government for supporting Small Business Month through the delivery of the workshops.”
Small Business Month will be launched at a breakfast event from 7am to 9am on Thursday, October 8 in The Railway Hotel outdoor area. This first event is aimed at showing appreciation for the businesses that keep the wheels turning in the Shire.
The second event on Thursday, 15 October is in celebration of International Rural Women’s Day, and will highlight the unsung heroes of our community amidst networking, food and laughter. Guest speakers will include Georgia Campbell, Penny Haire and Trudy Davies who will form a panel for a Q&A. Attendees who RSVP will receive a link to submit questions for the panel.
The event will be held from 11am to 2:30pm in the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall and in the surrounding grounds.
There will also be learning opportunities through three free workshops, including a one-hour workshop, Learn How to Bank Safely and Manage Money, facilitated by the Gunnedah branch of CommBank on Wednesday, 21 October from 10am to 11am in The Smithurst.
Council has also partnered with the Australian Government to deliver two practical hands-on workshops through the Digital Solutions program in the Conadilly Conference Room at The Mackellar Motel.
The Exploring AI workshop explores simple ways businesses can utilise AI in the day-to-day and will be held on Tuesday, 27 October from 11am to 1:30pm. Build Your Brand in Canva focuses on the way branding informs perceptions about businesses and how to go about building a brand. The workshop is on Tuesday, 27 October from 2pm to 4:30pm.
Chamber president Michael Broekman said the Chamber was glad to be a partner with Gunnedah Shire Council in the initiatives.
“Small Business Month is a great opportunity to celebrate what we do as small businesses, what we achieve, the people we employ, and the economic wealth we bring to our communities,” he said.
“I encourage business owners and their teams to RSVP and come along to these events. One, they are an educational tool to improve our businesses, and two, they are an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships within this great Shire’s small business community.”
Bookings are essential for all events:
* Business breakfast: https://www.trybooking.com/DPUUY
* International Rural Women's Day: https://www.trybooking.com/DPUVZ
* Learn How to Bank Safely and Manage Money: https://www.trybooking.com/DPUWQ
* Exploring AI: Content, Images and Video: https://calendly.com/digital-solutions-workshops/exploring-ai-content-images-video-gunnedah?month=2026-10
* Build Your Brand in Canva: https://calendly.com/digital-solutions-workshops/build-your-brand-in-canva-gunnedah?month=2026-10
To find out more, contact Council’s Growth and Engagement Lead Hannah Taylor.
Caption: Small Business Month is an opportunity for business owners and their teams to network at events including the popular business breakfast.
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
