At the annual general meeting, Guardian News managing editor Christian Knight was elected president, and Valla Real estate principal and director Margie O’Brien was installed as vice-president.

Tony Stokes from the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club will continue in the role of secretary/treasurer and public officer, while the new chamber management committee will include Anne Gillin, Jenny Ellis, Lauris White, Richard Ellis and Wendy Campbell.

Jenny Ellis, who together with Michael Beattie, held the position of president in the past financial year, reflected on a purple patch for the chamber.

A tree planting program and ongoing mosaic project in Bowra St, and the erection of a gateway board at the Nambucca Heads industrial estate were key achievements, Jenny said.

A member of chamber since moving to Nambucca from Armidale three years ago, Christian said the group was keen to continue beautification works in Bowra St and surrounds.

“There’s also a fair bit of will in the chamber to see amenity improved for both locals and visitors to our waterfronts, with things such as interpretative signs on the boardwalks and parks about local flora and fauna,” he said.

“We are also keen to forge closer links with our neighbouring chambers as many issues are not specific to any one town. And by working together we will have a stronger voice.”

Margie will ensure that Valla business issues are well represented on a chamber that now represents the two major northern towns of the shire.

With a shopfront in the thriving commercial village at Valla Beach, Margie is perfectly positioned to realise any local concerns and opportunities.

“My passion is to see that Valla Beach stays as beautiful as it is,” Margie said.