Chamber progressing our Town

Since 1910, the Dalby Chamber of Commerce has been inextricably involved in the progress of Dalby.
In the days of horse and buggy, a group known as the Businessmen’s Association first formed the Dalby Chamber of Commerce headed up by Ted Geisel (grandfather of Dalby Town Council’s longest serving Mayor Warwick Geisel).

During the early years, Chamber pushed for better roads and rail, better street lighting and street beautification. Chamber was instrumental in lobbying for the Bowenville to Dalby Road – a drive that started in the 1930s and saw the road finally opened in 1952. In the 1950s tourism promotion and shop local campaigns also became part of the agenda.

In the 1930s when major industry in Dalby was dairying and butter production, the Chamber first broadened its base to include “country members”.  Today’s membership incorporates a mix of manufacturing, retail, professional services, agricultural and rural-based businesses.

As time went on the chamber continued to evolve.In the 1990s, a merging with the Dalby Wambo Tourism and Economic Development Board resulted in the formation of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCI). That decade also saw the introduction of the Dalby Business Excellence Awards.

Current President Noel Brownsey says the work of DCCI continues to adapt to member needs and concerns. “For example in recent months the Chamber has written to insurance companies requesting they use local suppliers and contractors in the rebuild after floods; Australia Post regarding concerns surrounding the sorting of mail in Toowoomba; and to WDRC asking for the timing of rates notices not to affect Christmas trading.  We also run regular Business After Hours networking functions, training, business breakfasts and Business Excellence Awards, and produce @Dalby Magazine.”

One consistent theme over the years is the tenaciousness of the Dalby folk.  There’s an old story that tells of two senior government figures talking about the Dalby Chamber’s push for road improvements in the 1930s. Apparently one was overheard saying - ‘Those Dalby fellows will get what they want… They’re the toughest mob in Queensland and if they want anything, they will go at it until they get it.’

To sum up, Noel says today’s DCCI is focused on progressing Dalby to be a “better place to live, work and play”. “And just like our forefathers, we continue to lobby for better roads,” Noel smiles. If you’d like to get involved in the economic development, promotion and advancement of Dalby, please contact President Noel Brownsey on 4662 3733.