OUR HISTORY

Working Towards a Better Tomorrow

Early in 2007, a meeting was held at the Sports Club for all interested in forming a Pemberton branch of the Chamber of Commerce. The catalyst for this could have been a realisation that the town was served by a large number of organisations run largely by the same people and it was felt that these organisations could be more effectively run under the one umbrella.

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Louise Kingston from the Manjimup Business Enterprise Centre, chaired the original meeting and from that meeting a steering committee was formed consisting of Bernie Ryan as Chairman, Toni Dearle as Secretary and John Suckling as Treasurer. The task was to explore the level of interest in the community for the formation of a CCI.

In June, 2007 a function was held at the Gloucester Motel attended by over 37 representatives of local businesses. The meeting endorsed the formation of a Pemberton Branch of the Chamber with an initial subscription of $250.

During 2007, 24 businesses registered as members and John Suckling was charged with the task of drawing up a Constitution based on the requirements as laid down by the parent body, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA. This Constitution was adopted and John then applied for Incorporation of the Association.

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In the first year of operation, the Chamber was involved in assisting the Pemberton Events Association with the conduct of the Autumn Festival. The Chamber Secretary, Toni Dearle was given the task of organising the festival and coordinated much of this with her work for the Chamber. However, it was not until 2010 that the Pemberton Events Association was officially incorporated with the Chamber.

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In January 2008 the PCCI joined the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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March 2009 saw a change in the administration of the PCCI with Bernie Ryan taking on the role of Executive Officer. This reduced the work load of the Secretary, Toni Dearle and also allowed Bernie to pursue a major fundraiser for the Chamber in the form of the Bike Victoria event that had been allocated to Pemberton for April 2009. This event provided the Chamber with a profit of some $14000 which was put towards a television promotion of Pemberton costing in excess of $29000.

Trevor Jacob assumed the role of Chairman from Bernie Ryan and remained in that position until Paul Moltoni took over in 2010. Paul was heavily involved in the Targa South West events and was able to secure a leg of this event for Pemberton for 2011.

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John Suckling retired as treasurer in 2010 and both he and Bernie Ryan were awarded Life Membership of the Chamber. Paul Moltoni remained Chairman until 2011 and was replaced by Geoff McGrath.

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In 2013 Geoff retired as President, and Maxine Fisher was elected in his stead. Maxine was a champion, and worked tirelessly towards seeing the Telstra signal improved in town and was instrumental in making sure Pemberton was a priority for the Western Power pole replacement program.

Maxine left us in 2015 and Roger Bettoni was elected in her place.

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Roger and the committee worked on the Sea container project - which eventually lead to the lease for the Pemberton Infant Health Centre as a community storage facility.

The Pemberton Timber Mill closed during this time and left a few people in town without jobs.

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Roger also assisted with the Targa South West rally and stepped down in 2017 to devote more of his time to this event. In May 2017, Acting President Noeleen Collings stepped up to the role of President.

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The 2017 AGM took place in September and 4 new board consists joined the helm. The current president is Noeleen Collings, Vice president is Ardal Nigg, Secretary is Toni Dearle and Rob Baker. Treasurer position is life member of the PCCI, John Suckling.