Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce

05/06/2026

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WORKSHOP 🌿🌱

GUEST SPEAKER: Sonja Ceri

Thursday 25th June 6:30pm - Plateau Sports Club

You're probably already behind on AI. This is how you catch up. In two hours, with your actual business.

Every week you're hearing about AI. Every week you're not sure what to do with it. You've maybe tried ChatGPT once, got something generic back, and
moved on.

This workshop is different.

In two hours, you'll go from confused to confident, with a clear plan for how AI can save your business real time, starting this week. Not theory. Not tech talk. Your business, your problems, your next steps.

What we'll cover:

* What AI tools actually are, which ones are worth your time, and what to ignore
* How to choose the right platform and set it up properly (we'll walk through it together)
* How to use AI for the work you do every day - emails, proposals, planning, client comms, research
* How to do it safely, without handing over anything you shouldn't

Then we get practical. You'll bring one real problem from your business - a process that takes too long, a task you keep avoiding, a communication you
dread- and we'll work on it together, live, in the room.

You'll leave with a working setup, a prompt you've already tested, and a plan for the next 30 days.
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BRING:

* Your laptop or tablet
* A problem from your business you want to solve (ideas: writing quotes or proposals, responding to enquiries, creating social content,
summarising long documents, writing procedures for your team, preparing for difficult conversations)
* We'll connect to Wi-Fi on the day
* A subscription to an AI platform helps. We'll walk through the options at the start so you can choose what's right for you

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THE DETAILS:

Date: Thursday 25th June 2026

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Plateau Sports Alstonville

Spaces: Limited

Investment: The Chamber Giving Back to Local Business - This workshop is valued at $49pp, however the Chamber will cover 50% of the registration fee (for members only) as part of its commitment to supporting local businesses.

Your Investment: $25pp (Members Only)
Chamber Contribution: $24pp

Non-Members: $49

This is the first time we're running a Workshop like this and we can't wait to invite you.

Please confirm your attendance ASAP - Don't Miss Out!!!

Plateau Sports
Discover Ballina
Ballina News Daily
Business NSW - Northern Rivers

04/06/2026

BLACK FIG GALLERY - EXHIBITION 🍂🍁

Black Fig Gallery has an exquisite treat in store for the local community with the upcoming show The Civilising Skirt, opening tonight 5th June.

The exhibition is The Civilising Skirt, a curated exhibition of Omie tapa (beaten barkcloth) works from Papua New Guinea. The works are incredibly detailed and unlike anything people would usually expect to encounter in Alstonville or the Northern Rivers.

Omie tapa or beaten bark cloth was there at the very beginning of time when the first woman on earth- Saja, created the very first wrap around tapa skirt.

After the Omie people of remote PNG ceased holding the very detailed tattooing sessions for initiating teenage boys into manhood, their tattoo motifs were transferred onto tapa.

All of nature is on display and more in this exhibition from our nearest neighbour PNG. We invite you to marvel at this rare and unusual offering.

Private early access tickets for a champagne floor talk with Joan Winter are available at a limited number - 4pm Friday 5th June - please contact 0480 676 957 for more information.

The Civilising Skirt
Omie Tapa (beaten bark cloth) Artists PNG
You, your friends and family are invited to the 'The Civilising Skirt’
🗓️ Opening Friday 5th June 2026 | 🕔 5 - 7.30pm
Full exhibition Runs June 4th - July 4th 2026

Gallery Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday 10-4pm & Saturday 10-2pm or
by appointment | 0480 676 957 | 📍Shop 7, Alstonville Plaza, Alstonville NSW

Black Fig Gallery
Discover Ballina
Ballina News Daily

02/06/2026

THE BUSINESS OF DOING BUSINESS ✨💡📚

When was the last time you worked ON your business?

New workshop series for Northern Rivers Businesses!

A practical workshop series for Northern Rivers business owners and operators.

Most business operators are caught in the crossfire between competing demands and dealing with the everyday business challenges that take you away from strategy, like:

•Staff issues
•Cash flow
•Customers
•Operations
•The next thing that lands on the desk

Very few get the chance to step back and work on the business properly, which is exactly what is called for right now to stay ahead of the curve.

That’s why we created The Business of Doing Business Series. Sometimes a single idea, a strategic shift, or a moment of clarity can completely change the trajectory of your business.

We have created a practical workshop series designed by business operators for business operators. And delivering on the BNSW mission of maximizing the opportunities and potential of every Australian business.

Clearer decisions. Strategic decision Making. Stronger Business.

Across four half-day workshops throughout 2026, local business leaders, operators and advisers will work through the real challenges businesses are dealing with.

Attend one session based on what your business needs most right now or attend the full series as the sessions build from direction, to dollars, to demand, to delivery.

THE FOUR SESSIONS:

🌿Strategy, Growth & Transition
Where is your business actually heading?

🌿Money, Numbers & Funding
Can we actually afford it?

🌿Customers, Brand & Digital Content
Do they get it?

🌿Enhancing Business Performance
Can we deliver it?

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
• Real business examples and discussion
• Practical tools and frameworks
• Peer learning with other Northern Rivers businesses
• Time to work on your own business during the session
• Clear actions to take back into the business immediately

LOCATION AND BOOKING DETAILS:
Starts Thursday 4th June
Hosted at Southern Cross University, Lismore (easy parking and venue access)
8.30am - 12.30pm

Four sessions across 2026

Individual session tickets are available for only $34
or you can grab a series pass for $99 (all plus gst and booking fees). For businesses wanting to attend all four workshops at a discounted rate.

BOOK NOW: https://events.humanitix.com/the-business-of-doing-business-series =d70ed37f-9365-40e5-8a5d-1f2dfe0f0000

29/05/2026

MAJOR TRANSFORMATION: CULTURAL CENTRE

Major transformation is now underway for the Alstonville Cultural Centre.

A major milestone in the upgrade of the Alstonville Cultural Centre was marked this week, with Ballina Shire Council celebrating the commencement of construction.

Representatives from Ballina Shire Council, councillors, project partners, Richmond Tweed Regional Library, media and other community stakeholders gathered onsite on Tuesday 26 May to mark this significant construction milestone, as the much-loved community facility begins its transformation into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient community hub.

The project will deliver a substantially expanded library, upgraded community spaces, improved accessibility and modern amenities designed to better support the growing needs of the Alstonville community, as well as a range of sustainability improvements.

Ballina Shire Mayor Cr Sharon Cadwallader said the celebration marked an exciting moment for the community and highlighted the strong progress already taking place onsite.

“It’s fantastic to see this important community project moving ahead and to officially celebrate the next stage of works,” Mayor Cadwallader said.

“Council is proud to be delivering a project that reflects the needs of our growing community and the importance of investing in quality community infrastructure.”

“This redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of the plateau communities and the services and spaces they will enjoy for generations to come.”

It’s exciting to now be at the point where the community will begin to see the transformation take shape over the coming weeks.

Library services continue to operate from Wollongbar Community Hall while construction is underway, ensuring continued access for plateau residents throughout the redevelopment period.

Construction on the upgraded facility is expected to continue through to mid-2027, weather and site conditions permitting.

For more information, visit

Council has started plans to redevelop the Alstonville Cultural Centre to create an accessible and modern facility.

27/05/2026

2026 BUSINESS AWARDS ✨💫

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED - 1st June

The Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that this year we will be partnering with the Ballina Chamber of Commerce to support a single Ballina Shire Business Awards program for 2026.

We believe this collaborative approach will create a stronger, united celebration of business excellence across the entire shire, while reducing duplication and making it easier for businesses to participate.

Importantly, there will still be a dedicated “Plateau Business of the Year” award, recognising the outstanding businesses that make our local community so special.

We encourage as many Plateau businesses as possible to enter and showcase the strength, innovation and excellence of our local business community.

Taking part in the awards is also a great opportunity to build your business profile, reward your team, and benefit from the journey itself.

Nominations now close June 1, so now is the time to get involved.

Award categories and entry details can be found here:
https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026/

Discover Ballina
Ballina News Daily
Business NSW - Northern Rivers
Ballina Shire Council
Ballina Chamber of Commerce
Business Lennox Head

26/05/2026

AWCC BUSINESS BREAKFAST 🌿🌱

A fantastic morning at the AWCC Business Breakfast today, connecting with local businesses and hearing an insightful presentation on Artificial Intelligence and the future of business.

Great conversations, valuable networking, and plenty of ideas on how AI is shaping industries and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful chamber event!

A special thanks to our Guest Speaker Sonja Ceri who is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to marketing and AI. We are super excited to connect with her again for an upcoming Masterclass. Details coming soon…

Last but not least, a massive thanks to Dom and the team at Buckley's Chance for the incredible venue, food & hospitality.

Discover Ballina
Ballina Shire Council
Ballina News Daily
Business NSW - Northern Rivers

22/05/2026

ROUS BONFIRE NIGHT 🔥🔥🔥

POSTPONED TO 13th June (due to weather)

The much-loved Rous Bonfire Night is set to light up the region again | One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return this month, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 5 pm to 8.30 pm, with a mix of returning favourites and new attractions set to keep crowds entertained.

While the event continues to attract visitors from outside the area, it’s the strong sense of community that keeps people coming back year after year.

Importantly, the event continues to serve as the school’s biggest annual fundraiser, with proceeds going directly back into supporting students and improving facilities.

SHOP LOCAL | SUPPORT LOCAL

Ballina News Daily
Ballina Shire Council
Discover Ballina

20/05/2026

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS - UPDATE 🍂

The Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce encourages all local business owners and operators to take the time to read through the Ballina Shire Council’s draft plans currently on exhibition.

Too often businesses only hear about changes once new fees, policies, restrictions or planning decisions are already in place. This is the opportunity to understand what is being proposed before decisions are finalised and to have your say while community feedback is still open.

These plans will help shape the future of business across Ballina Shire — including growth, infrastructure, local priorities and the overall direction of our region.

If local businesses want a stronger voice in the future of Ballina Shire, we need to be part of the conversation early, not after the fact.

The AWCC encourages businesses to:
✔️ Read the draft plans
✔️ Ask questions
✔️ Provide feedback before submissions close

🗓 Submissions close: 1 June 2026

Further information can be found here:

https://www.yoursayballina.com.au/delivery-program-and-operational-plan-2026-27?fbclid=IwVERDUAR5J19leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR5SUJxbKWAgOBs9ltuvLsiVTUBDshAhMc_FfpalE6XbvFkhnIURFGpoordV-w_aem_0BrPH2sSbWDTHdVHxxp4GQ

19/05/2026

BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST ✨

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS!!

“What to Use, What to Ignore, and What’s Coming”

Tuesday 26th May 2026 7am - Buckleys Chance

Join the AWCC this May to discuss how AI is changing the way customers find business online, which tools are genuinely useful and how to think strategically about AI without needing a tech team or large budget.

GUEST PRESENTER: Sonja Ceri 🌿

Sonja Ceri has spent the last two decades helping businesses grow, adapt, and think more clearly about where they are headed.

She founded Four Drunk Parrots, a Northern Rivers creative agency and certified B Corp, before moving into executive leadership roles across healthcare, digital transformation, customer experience and strategy.

Sonja is a board director, holds a Masters in Economics, and has been genuinely obsessed with AI since before it became a dinner party topic.

WHEN: Tuesday 26th May 2026

WHERE: Buckleys Chance

TIME: 7am Arrival | 7:30am Start

COST: $27pp
*includes breakfast + coffee

RSVP: Tuesday 19th May 2026

LIMITED SPACES | BOOK NOW 💫

M: 0431 147 626
E: [email protected]