Economic Development Advisory Committee

Purpose and objectives

Nillumbik’s Economic Development Advisory Committee provides a formal mechanism for Council to consult with key stakeholders, seek specialist advice and enable community participation in all matters relating to economic development and tourism in Nillumbik.

The invitation for new committee members for the 2024-2026 term has now closed. 

The Committee’s objectives are to:

  • identify and provide advice on a range of economic development opportunities and issues facing Nillumbik’s business community and prioritise actions to address these issues
  • provide a forum for discussion on a range of topics impacting on the prosperity of the business community
  • ensure consultation and ongoing liaison between Council and key business and community stakeholders
  • support the implementation of the Nillumbik Economic Development Strategy 2020-2030 and provide recommendations to deliver on the strategic actions
  • provide feedback and advice to Council about Council strategies, plans, policies and related documents
  • represent the views and needs of business within Nillumbik
  • assist Council to communicate, consult and engage more effectively with the broader Nillumbik business community
  • strengthen partnerships with industry partners and groups, business associations and support services in Nillumbik and the broader Northern region
  • contribute to a cycle of continually assessing and improving Nillumbik’s business community.

Meeting frequency

Committee meetings are held quarterly - on the third Thursday of the month - from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Committee period

The current Committee was appointed for a two-year term which commenced on 1 July 2022.

Members

This Committee is chaired by a Councillor representative who is appointed annually at Councils Extraordinary Meeting held in November.

Find out more about the committee members

The Committee comprises the following representatives endorsed by Council:

Name About
Cr Natalie Duffy (Chair) Cr Natalie Duffy is the Councillor for Edendale Ward for 2020-2024.
Nicole Staveley Nicole is the owner of 'The Little Things in Life' retail store in Eltham and President of the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Phil Marendaz Phil is a member of the Diamond Creek Traders Association and has many years' experience in senior roles and managing his own consultancy, Marendaz Accountants and Business Advisors.
Katrina Naish Katrina is owner of home based business 'A Fitting Connection' an organisation developing practical initiatives that help local communities, schools and businesses get involved in building sustainable textile solutions.
Craig Usher Craig is owner of Hurstbridge based business 'Nature's Harvest Wholefoods'.
Chanmali Tregambe Chanmali and her husband own and operate Nillumbik Estate Winery located in Smiths Gully.
Claire Nolle Claire is owner of 'Osteologic' in Diamond Creek and is a member of the Diamond Creek Traders Association.
George Apted George brings 40 years of business success as owner of his own consulting engineering firm and as chair of 'Apted’s Orchards', the largest private sector employer in Nillumbik Shire. George is also our Agricultural representative on EDAC.
Orianna Edmonds Orianna owns and operates home based business 'Naturally Goat', an ethical dairy goat farm and manufacturer of organic goat milk soaps and products. Orianna is also our Youth Representative on EDAC.
Kirrily Romero Kirrily runs 'The Online Fix', helping business owners master the online space and achieve digital independence.

Agenda

The agenda for the next Committee meeting is uploaded one week prior to the meeting date.

Minutes

Minutes from each Committee meeting are confirmed at the next meeting of the Committee. 

Terms of Reference

EDAC Terms of Reference 2024(PDF, 190KB)

More information

The Committee is supported by Council’s Economic Development and Tourism department.

For further information email business@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 9433 3111.

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