New Chamber of Commerce president Kim Starkie sets her eyes on support for local businesses

Manjimup’s newest Chamber of Commerce president Kim Starkie is making sure that local businesses in the area are engaged, and also is excited for the return of the town’s Christmas tree. Ms Starkie took on the position of Chamber of Commerce president from Bevan Eatts at the chamber’s annual general meeting last month, and said it was the right time for her to come on board, given her experience. “Bevan and Donelle (Buegge) had reached out and seen I had done a lot in different industries, and thought the time was right to come on board and help grow the community engagement and communication in the businesses in the Manjimup area,” she said. She said she was excited to communicate with local businesses and find out what concerns or issues they may have and to see the businesses grow during her tenure. “In the role, I’ve been out and about, doorstopping and speaking to the businesses in the Manjimup CBD and listening to their concerns, what they want highlighted and where they see growth. “I have my own Women in Business group, where I have good relations with a lot of the members, and I have well-built connections and respect with the business owners in the area.” “While I haven’t had a lot of time to chat to people about the chamber yet, I’ve got quite a good rapport with several businesses and I’m excited to bring that and develop it with the chamber role.” She also announced the return of Manjimup’s beloved Christmas tree, which had not been on display for several years after it had been damaged. She credited current Shire president Donelle Buegge, along with Glenn Edmonds and Jenny Markotis for their efforts in attempting to get the tree fixed and back up for Christmas. “I was a part of the chamber when the Christmas tree got destroyed, and Glenn Edmonds, Donelle Buegge, and Jenny Markotis pulled solidly to try and see that the tree could be fixed.” “The tree is a large metal structure that was deemed costly and irreplaceable, and they have worked solidly to get it fixed.” She also credited welder Anthony Drake for the massive task of repairing and welding the tree, noting the demanding nature of the task and the benefit it would have to the community. “The tree was fixed by Anthony Drake and he probably didn’t take the job for the welding aspect, as it was not going to be an easy job with most people refusing to do it. “I think he took it on as a local father with two children, knowing how much it was going to benefit the community to have that tree back.” Ms Starkie said she was excited to bring the tree back and be involved with turning its lights on next month. “It’s only known so far that there will be a tree back and we’ll switch the lights on it on December 8,” she said. “I’m excited to be the president in the year the tree’s coming back.” The return of the Christmas tree was one of a few projects for Ms Starkie with her priorities being targeting the engagement of local businesses, both by local shoppers and tourists passing through. “I’m still working on a couple of projects that will have a big impact at a low cost for businesses to engage with the community in the CBD,” she said. “I also want for those stopping in to be doorstopping more frequently and seeing what the businesses have, more often, rather than people driving up to Bunbury for shopping.” She highlighted the variety of businesses and the resources available in town, with a versatile range of restaurant cuisines and locally owned businesses in the area. “Most people think Manjimup doesn’t have it all, but we absolutely do in so many ways. “We have so many independent eateries, and our clothing stores are independent and sole trader owned, and they’re doing the hard work. “We’ve got our own Southern Roasting coffee, which is amazing, and many different cultural cuisines in our restaurants, and not just modern Australian food.” “I’m about the mindset of not about what we don’t have, but looking back and seeing what we do have and supporting that.”