General

Representatives of Ryde Business Forum, local Chambers of Commerce, the City of Ryde, local Rotary and Lions Clubs and major shopping centres in Ryde met with Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew MP and special guest Dr Craig Emerson MP, Minister for Small Business on 7 May.

The group discussed how business is faring across the City following the initial rollout of the Government’s financial stimulus package.

The Government has kicked off the 2008 Parliamentary year by introducing legislation that will begin the implementation of its Forward with Fairness IR policies.

On 28 March 2008, the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Act 2008 commences operation. This legislation starts the transition to the Government’s new national workplace relations system intended to cover the whole private sector, which is due to come fully into effect by 1 January 2010. However, this transition legislation does not affect employers currently not in the Federal system.

President Charles presided over a hugely successful AGM, jointly hosted by Bahar Persian Food and Art, and Biviano’s Trattoria Restaurant. As the pizzas, nibblies and red wine circulated, Charles hosted the official part of the evening with presidential dexterity.

A summary of the year that was, a list of thank you’s that covered just about everyone present, a police report, vice president’s report from Tony Abboud, Treasurer’s Report from Artin and a few words from our secretary, Sean Parsonage left us all feeling like we’d all done very well indeed.

During the last school holidays the Ryde Chamber of Commerce, through it’s Adopt-a-Classroom project, arranged the supply and installation of five reverse cycle air conditioners at Ryde Primary School.