The Wellington Chamber committee has big plans, both internal and external, to flow on from its relaunch in July, including a push to bring pop-up stores to the CBD.

Mr Jeffries explained the “refresh stage” has included communications with Dubbo Regional Council to introduce a number of promotions, including a business program featuring pop-up stores which he said will be a step forward for Wellington.

“For a long time we have been in communication with Dubbo Regional Council about business problems in Wellington and so on,” he said.

“We really want to see the retail sector of Wellington grow and the way to do that is keep shoppers in Wellington. The first step we have to take if Wellington is to grow and prosper is to get shops here.

“We already have reasonable medical services, schools, good access to a larger area, there’s a lot of good entertainment facilities, the best golf course in the state as far as I’m concerned – we already have that.

“What we need to get people living here is to rebuild the retail sector of Wellington, and I think these pop-up stores will go a long way toward achieving that.

“The more shops we have, the more people will stay in Wellington, it’s as simple as that.

“Since amalgamating we’re now the front door to Dubbo, so we have to look like a front door.”

The Wellington Chamber has also been working with its sister Chamber in Dubbo, focusing on various projects and importantly building a database of all local businesses. 

Mr Jeffries said the new database will allow the Chamber to connect with single traders who often slip through the gaps due to not having a business website.

“We’ve missed out on having them as members of the Chamber simply because a lot don’t have websites, so we really want as many business names to stick your name in our database just in case,” he said.