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Braidwood & Villages Business Chamber
Representing Retail, Commercial, Hospitality, Industry, Agriculture and Tourism
WELCOME TO THE BAVBC
The Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber (BAVBC) is an incorporated not-for-profit association that represents the combined business interests of Braidwood, surrounding villages and our region. We aim to take a balanced approach to promote the strategic commercial interests of our region while advocating on day-to-day matters
What do we do?
We provide a forum for businesses to collaborate, share ideas, further our joint interests and to help shape the future of our community.
We plan and prioritise activities such as advocating to local, state and national government agencies on matters affecting our membership and the broader business interest of our region.
We also facilitate networking and educational activities to improve the business acumen of our membership; and work with other community groups to represent the broader interests of our community.
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Your Committee Representatives
President - Nick Kemp
Vice President - Jamie Raynolds
Secretary - Gavin Gillin
Treasurer - Helen Faulkner
Committee Members
Frank Egan
Bruce Keeley
Fiona Mutton
George Sherriff
Christine Ellis
Carly Heffernan
Millie DiMaio
Steve Hockey
Daniar Robinson
Jackie Parsons
Richard Walker
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Who can join?
Membership is open to all businesses within our region, interested individuals and local community groups.
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What are our aims?
Our aims are to encourage a vibrant and flourishing local economy that leverages the natural advantages of our region and is consistent with the broader community’s vision for Braidwood and region.
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What are our values?
Our values are to be open, honest, professional and inclusive.
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​​How can Braidwood businesses and groups help each other?
By sharing information, contacts, lessons and supporting each other to be better.
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How can we shape Braidwood and villages?
By planning and prioritising our efforts to promote regional economic development in a sustainable manner that leverages our natural advantages.
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How have we already helped?
We have created strong and respectful relationships with local state and national government representatives and advocated on local matters important to our membership, including Braidwood’s heritage listing, the poor state of our infrastructure and the need to plan for the sympathetic development of our region.
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How can I join?
Simply click on the application form link below. We will contact you with more information
OUR MISSION
To improve and enhance the economic vitality and the quality of life for our community and region.
In pursuing its mission the Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber will do the following:
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Be sensitive and responsive to the needs of business and the community;
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Encourage business community involvement in pursuing our community goals;
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Develop, promote and provide leadership;
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Provide services for the members and the community;
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Represent the interests of our membership and business community.
NEWS ROUNDUP
How the BAVBC is working for you
BAVBC 2024–25 Term Summary
BAVBC 2024–25 Term Summary
The term was productive despite reduced committee capacity.
Key Achievements:
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Secured two major grants totaling $105,000, including funding for a Heritage Interpretation Plan with GML Heritage (project completion planned for Sept 2026).
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Gained government engagement through meetings and letters addressing road infrastructure, museum project issues, and QPRC contractor concerns (currently under review).
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Obtained a $5,000 Community Bank grant to develop an online business directory.
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Strengthened regional collaboration via meetings with Bungendore Business Chamber and shared lobbying efforts toward QPRC.
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Established a funded Chamber Business Coordinator role to improve operations (trial underway).
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Participated in the Small Business Advisory Committee through Gavin Gillin.
Priorities for Next Term:
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Expand committee capacity through additional members and working groups.
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Create new positions for Marketing & Media Coordinator and Membership Coordinator.
BRAIDWOOD'S BRILLIANT ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber is working on a comprehensive online directory for Braidwood and Villages to support and showcase our vibrant and diverse business community.
We hope the directory will not only be a valuable tool for residents of Braidwood and Villages but also be of interest to visitors looking to explore the region.
The online format allows businesses that fit into more than one category to be listed under each category, ie eating out, accomodation etc.
Inclusion in the directory is free for members of the business chamber. Membership costs just $10 for sole traders, individuals and businesses with five or fewer employees. Businesses with between 6 and 20 employees pay $100 to join, and large businesses with more than 21 employees pay $200.
Our membership is growing fast and we are excited to work on new projects such as the business directory to support our members, but also to help give Braidwood and Villages a stronger voice that better represents the diversity and common goals of our communities.​
To join today, simply click here to fill out the membership application.
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WHAT'S ON WHERE?
NEW EVENTS CALENDAR LAUNCHED
Our local media and Facebook pages are great platforms for promoting community events and have a brilliant reach. Now, working in tandem with those platforms, the new Braidwood and Villages events calendar provides an at a glance guide to what is on in Braidwood and Villages.
We hope it will become a valuable tool for people planning events and meetings to help avoid clashes and doubling up.
Volunteers at the Braidwood Visitor Information Centre told the BAVBC that an online events calendar would be a handy resource to better enable them to promote events to tourists.
You can list your event, meeting, concert etc by simply emailing the details to
Listings are free.
Include the name of event, date, start and finish times, entry fee if any, and location.
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BUSINESS IN THE CURRECT
ECONOMY
Local rural businesses continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. Rising operating costs, from fuel and utilities to insurance and supplies, are putting pressure on margins.
Many businesses are also feeling the impact of workforce shortages, with challenges attracting and retaining skilled employees in rural areas. At the same time, access to reliable infrastructure—such as broadband, transportation, and essential services—remains a critical factor in day-to-day operations and long-term growth.Rural businesses are also adapting to shifting customer expectations and market conditions.
Changes in consumer spending, increased competition from online and urban-based businesses, and evolving regulatory requirements can all create added complexity. For some, succession planning, access to finance, and keeping pace with technology are emerging as key concerns that will shape the future of their businesses and communities.
We want to ensure that our work reflects what truly matters to you. Very soon, we will be sharing a short survey to gather your thoughts, experiences, and priorities. Your input will help guide our advocacy, programs, and support for rural businesses. We strongly encourage all members to take part—your voice is essential in shaping the path forward for our local business community.
NEXT MEETING
MEMBERS MEETING
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
at the Braidwood Servicemen's Club, 6.30 PM
All new and prospective members are welcome.
