In the north and the south, new leaders are emerging at Wollongong's volunteer-run local business chambers.

Last year Joanna Stuart stepped up to become the president of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC). A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), tax agent, and owner of Brew Accounting, Joanna is now leading a networking revival after NICC's membership plummeted during the Covid era, putting the organisation at risk of closure. 

Elected in December 2024, Jonathan Crowe is the new president of Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce (PKCC). Jonathan owns The Wentworth, the Wentworth Street shopping arcade home to a variety of tenants, including a hair salon, a Thai restaurant and the Red Point Artists. He is leading a new committee and says the chamber aims to double its membership by the end of this year.  

Thanks to Joanna and Jonathan for taking the time to tell us more about NICC and PKCC.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your own business?

Joanna: I’ve always been entrepreneurial – my first business, a kids' entertainment venture, started when I was just 11. My passion for hospitality and business led me to realise that understanding your numbers is the key to long-term success. That’s what inspired me to study accounting and, 18 years ago, launch Brew Accounting. Today, I work with business owners to help them take control of their finances, so they can enjoy more time, confidence, and financial freedom.

Jonathan: I have a science degree at Sydney University and I spent my early years out of university as a professional athlete. I started working for myself 18 years ago and I have owned a number of businesses overseas and in Australia since then. I currently own three businesses in Wollongong and we are about to open another in Port Kembla. The main reasons I started my own business were the desire for financial independence; the potential for higher earnings compared to a traditional job; freedom & flexibility; unlimited growth potential; the desire for more control and the desire for more security. 

When and why did you volunteer to lead your local chamber of commerce?

Joanna: In September 2024, I became the president of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC) after hearing it was at risk of shutting down. NICC has been supporting local businesses since 1996, and I knew we couldn’t lose such a valuable organisation. I reached out to other local business owners, and together, we revitalised the chamber. Today, I’m proud to lead a passionate committee that includes Billie (of photography business @billielikes), Jack (Loopli), James (Polaris Home Loans), Kate (Worklife), Luke (Finlease), Lynda (Transitus Legal), Margie (Edmiston Jones), Markus (Asquith Legal), Naina (IMB), Natalie (All Sorted Bookkeeping), Nupur (IMB), and Shaz (Need a Feed). Our mission is to build business and community confidence in the Northern Illawarra.

Jonathan: I became the new Port Kembla Chamber president in December last year. I made the decision then after I was approached by a number of businesses in Port Kembla asking me if I would run for president. We have owned a house in Port Kembla for 25 years and my wife and I have lived here for 10 years. We purchased The Wentworth in 2021 and we have been actively involved in activities in the suburb since then. The businesses who approached me wanted to see a change of direction from the Chamber to be more business focused and better engaged with the business community. 

How big is your chamber and what does it offer members?

Joanna: NICC is growing rapidly! In just five months, we’ve expanded to 43 members, with a goal of reaching 100 by the end of the year. At just $99 per year, membership offers incredible value, including:

• Free or discounted access to high-impact networking events like Business Bowls, Speed Networking, and Pitch Fest.
• Membership in the NSW Business Chamber’s Chamber Alliance Program, which provides free marketing, HR, and legal advice.
• A members-only WhatsApp group for local business collaboration and referrals.
• A business directory listing on the NICC website and promotion through our social media channels.

Jonathan: Our chamber has approx 50 members, however, our goal is to double that by the end of the year. The new committee has many ideas and is looking to create new programs and initiatives that will offer many benefits to our members. These include a loyalty programme, strategic marketing initiatives, access to group discounts with electricity and insurance, free business training and marketing workshops, free advice on planning, leases and development and many other new programmes and initiatives.

Have you noticed an increase in demand for face-to-face networking?

Joanna: Absolutely! According to the Wollongong City Council’s 2024 Business Survey, business development and networking are the top areas local businesses want to strengthen. We’re seeing this firsthand, with strong engagement at our events. Now, more than ever, local business owners are looking for meaningful connections and opportunities to grow together.

Jonathan: Port Kembla is currently going through a massive transformation with new businesses opening each week. This is an exciting time for us and we are seeing a great demand from all of the businesses looking to tap into the extensive networks and springboard of each other for growth and success. 

What are your plans for 2025, any big events or changes ahead?

Joanna: Our 2025 strategy focuses on: hosting high-quality, consistent monthly networking events; strengthening NICC’s culture, strategy, and systems to ensure long-term success; expanding our social media presence to promote both NICC and our member businesses.

Jonathan: Our new committee and I are very excited about the opportunities and potential for the businesses and chamber in Port Kembla. We have many new initiatives we wish to start and great things we would like to achieve. We already have a number of established annual events in Port Kembla which are amazing, including The Port Kembla Festival; Fearfest – our Halloween festival; Cheerfest – our Christmas event and many local markets, functions and business activities.

It's been a tricky time for both small businesses and volunteers. What challenges has your chamber faced and how have you dealt with these?

Joanna: The rising cost of living is hitting small businesses hard, and we’re seeing some long-standing businesses close their doors. That’s why we’re promoting the Buy Local message—every dollar spent with a small business strengthens our community. Research from Amex Shop Small shows that 42 cents of every dollar spent at a local business is reinvested locally. Running NICC as a volunteer-led organisation while managing our own businesses is a challenge, but many hands make light work! We welcome business owners who share our passion for supporting local businesses to join our committee. Collaboration is key, and we’re eager to partner with other organisations that share our vision for a thriving business community.

Jonathan: As a new chamber committee, we have had the usual challenges of starting fresh and taking over from another committee. One of our biggest challenges is also changing the old stereotypes and stigmas that Port Kembla has been historically known for. As I mentioned earlier, we have new businesses opening each week and Port Kembla is undergoing a massive transformation. We see this as a great challenge and something we wish to continue to facilitate. 

Who's welcome to join your chamber?

Joanna: We welcome all business owners and professionals looking to connect, collaborate, and grow. To learn more and sign up, visit the NICC website.

Jonathan: The chamber currently has three types of memberships: business, corporate and community memberships. Historically members could join via our website, however, we are currently undergoing a major review of memberships and the whole process to join. Until the review is finalised, anyone wishing to enquire about chamber membership can contact us at: admin@pkcc.com.au

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