A Legacy Begins: Launching Gunnedah’s Next Generation of Business Leaders

The business leaders of tomorrow are already here—working in our shops, running startups, completing apprenticeships, and bringing bold ideas to life across our region. Recognising their potential, the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to announce the official launch of Next Gen, an initiative designed to empower, connect, and elevate younger professionals from Gunnedah and surrounding districts.

The Next Gen Chamber was born from a legacy vision by Chamber President CJ Baldry Adams, whose leadership has focused on building long-term sustainability, community stewardship, and future-focused governance for the region. With a passion for mentoring and creating meaningful business pathways, CJ saw the opportunity to formally establish a platform where emerging leaders could thrive—not in isolation, but in collaboration with seasoned business voices.

"Leadership isn’t something that starts when you’re given a title—it starts when someone gives you a chance," says CJ. "Next Gen is that chance. It’s about creating the conditions for growth, succession, and opportunity in regional business."

Aligned with the Chamber’s Beyond 2050 Strategy, the Next Gen initiative addresses the vital need to attract, engage, and retain the next generation of business leaders in rural NSW. It serves as a call to action to invest in youth, generate local economic impact, and ensure the long-term viability of regional business communities.

From trainees to younger entrepreneurs, Next Gen welcomes all under 35s looking to connect, collaborate, and lead. It champions mentorship, leadership engagement, networking, and professional development, offering real tools for personal and regional business growth.

Next Gen Chamber is open to individuals aged 16 to 35. It is designed for business owners, employees in leadership roles, apprentices, students working in a professional capacity (not school students), and change-makers. It welcomes anyone ready to step up and contribute to Gunnedah’s future prosperity.

Joining Next Gen offers a wealth of value. Younger professionals will gain access to exclusive networking events and build strong connections with Chamber leaders and industry figures. The initiative offers meaningful pathways into leadership roles, along with opportunities to influence Chamber projects and get involved in community initiatives. It encourages personal growth, promotes professional development, and provides visibility within a movement actively shaping the Gunnedah region’s future.

Membership is free until 30 June 2025 under the general Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce membership offer. Anyone aged 16 to 35 who is involved in business, business leadership, or professional growth can join. Participants are encouraged to attend events and explore opportunities at their own pace. There are also opportunities to grow into leadership roles as confidence builds. Mentorship and guidance are available through the Chamber Committee network.

To mark the official launch, the Chamber is hosting the Next Gen Launch Dinner and Networking Night, a flagship event to introduce the initiative and celebrate local leadership. The event will be held at Gunnedah Rugby Club – The Home of the Red Devils, on Thursday 8 May 2025. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with formalities commencing from 6:00 PM. The evening will feature a welcome from CJ Baldry Adams and a dynamic panel of regional business leaders discussing entrepreneurship, regional growth and stewardship. Guests will also be invited to sign up to become Next Gen members or nominate for leadership.

This event is more than just a celebration. It’s the beginning of a movement. “We’re not only shaping the future of business in Gunnedah,” says CJ. “We’re securing it.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased via our event page.

Those interested in joining Next Gen can complete an Expression of Interest form. There is no requirement to own a business to be part of this initiative. Apprentices, creatives, employees, tradies, managers and entrepreneurs are all welcome.

Next Gen is a subcommittee of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and reports directly to its Executive Committee. CJ Baldry Adams leads the initiative, supported by a team of Chamber representatives who provide mentorship and strategic direction.

From now until the end of June, members can get involved without needing to hold a Chamber membership. From 1 July 2025, a general Chamber membership, currently $200 per annum, will be required to remain active in the Next Gen program.

The leadership team is currently welcoming Expressions of Interest. Members who are interested in helping shape the program’s future, lead events, or support the Chamber’s broader goals are encouraged to apply or nominate someone they believe is suited to leadership.

Support for Next Gen members includes mentorship, training opportunities, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals eager to share ideas and collaborate. The program provides an ideal platform to gain real leadership experience through organising events, representing the program at Chamber meetings, and building professional skills that will support their future careers.

To join, express interest or learn more, contact secretary@gunnedah.org.au or visit www.gunnedah.org.au.

Follow the Chamber on Instagram and Facebook for ongoing updates, or subscribe to the newsletter for event announcements.

Together, we’re not just imagining the future of business in Gunnedah—we’re building it.