Shoalhaven Business Chamber

26/02/2026

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 💡

The Shoalhaven Business Chamber is delighted to welcome Booksmart Bookkeeping Solutions to our growing member community.

Led by Lori Hambridge and proudly based in Vincentia, Booksmart Bookkeeping Solutions has been supporting businesses for over 20 years with reliable, detail-driven bookkeeping and payroll services. Lori and her team provide hands-on support to help businesses stay compliant, organised and confident in their numbers — building long-term relationships grounded in clear communication and dependable service.

With decades of experience in accounting and administration, Lori founded Booksmart after recognising how overwhelmed many business owners felt about their finances and compliance obligations. Her goal was simple: to create a service that not only keeps everything accurate and compliant, but also gives clients genuine peace of mind.

Booksmart is best known for its comprehensive bookkeeping services, payroll and compliance management, and software setup and support — helping businesses streamline systems and meet their obligations with confidence. What sets them apart in the Shoalhaven is their approach: combining compliance with care, and positioning themselves as long-term financial partners rather than just service providers.

Having proudly called the Shoalhaven home since 2006, Lori values the strong sense of community and connection that makes both life and business here so rewarding.

Joining the Shoalhaven Business Chamber reflects a desire to collaborate with fellow local businesses, strengthen community ties, and remain actively engaged in the region’s vibrant business network.

📍 Vincentia
📞 0420 269 026
📧 lori@booksmartbookkeeping.com.au

🌐 www.booksmartbookkeeping.com.au

Follow them on socials:
Facebook & LinkedIn: Booksmart Bookkeeping Solutions
Instagram:

Please join us in welcoming Booksmart Bookkeeping Solutions to the Chamber! 👏

24/02/2026

How good is this for the South Coast?

A huge congratulations to our member Bangalay Luxury Villas & Restaurant on being featured as a honeymoon destination on Married at First Sight tonight!

To see one of our own showcased on national television is such a testament to the quality, experience and world-class hospitality we have right here in the Shoalhaven.

From the luxury villas to the award-winning dining experience, Bangalay continues to set the benchmark for coastal elegance.

We love seeing local businesses shine on a national stage. 👏


Bangalay Luxury Villas

24/02/2026

I am holding a Mobile Office tomorrow, Wednesday 25th February, and would love you to pop in and say hello.

If you have a question, need help with a government matter, or want to raise a local issue, please come by for a chat.

No appointment needed — just drop in. I look forward to seeing you.

23/02/2026

LAST CHANCE | Business After Hours Networking Event - https://mailchi.mp/shoalhavenbusiness/last-chance-bah-feb

Happening Wed 25th Feb at Nowra Business Park, South Nowra.

https://www.shoalhavenbusinesschamber.com.au/event/business-after-hours-hosted-by-nowra-business-park/

22/02/2026

Last Tuesday night we hosted our very first Small Business & Entrepreneur Dinner at Two Brown Men.

And it was exactly what I hoped it would be.

No awkward networking.
No elevator pitches.
No performative “everything’s amazing.”

We sat around a table, shared a beautiful meal, and talked properly.

We vented about the hard stuff.
We brainstormed.
We shared what’s working (and what isn’t).
We spoke about influence, mindset, staffing, growth, resilience.

There is something powerful about small business owners being in the same room and being honest with each other.

This region is full of people quietly building things — employing locals, backing themselves, taking risks. Nights like this remind me why I care so much about creating spaces for those conversations.

We’ll absolutely be doing it again soon.

If you’re a local business owner and you’d like to join the next one, send us a message.

— Crystal

19/02/2026

What an incredible night at the 2026 ActewAGL Super Dinner!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us last night — your energy, passion, and connection is exactly what makes our business community so special. Nights like these remind us why we do what we do! We will release some official photos soon so watch this space.

We were also thrilled to see so many new faces last night including the wonderful team from Remmy! 💚

For those who don't know, Remmy is a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting independence for 7 years, and they've just opened a brand new riverside social centre right here in Nowra. How exciting is that for our community?!

📍 They're holding their Grand Opening BBQ Party TOMORROW — and it's FREE!

🗓️ Saturday 21 February | 11am–3pm
📌 10 Wharf Rd, Nowra (formerly Ponte Bar & Dining)

There'll be a Reptile Show, Face Painting, Yoga, Sound Bath, live music, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, lunch with vegan & GF options, and a Raffle — seriously, something for everyone!

Let's show up and show our newest Chamber members what Shoalhaven hospitality looks like. See you there! 🥳

Follow Remmy at

17/02/2026

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

We're honoured to host Captain Paul Hannigan as the keynote speaker again at the 2026 ActewAGL Super Dinner this Thursday night!

With 36 years of distinguished service spanning the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, Captain Hannigan brings extraordinary leadership experience from operational service in Northern Ireland, the Former Yugoslavia, and Iraq.
Many in our community will remember his vital role during the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires. As Commanding Officer of 808 Squadron, Captain Hannigan led MRH90 Taipan helicopter operations that provided critical support when our South Coast needed it most.

Now serving as Captain at HMAS Albatross, he's known for his inclusive and decisive leadership style that inspires all those around him.

This promises to be an incredible evening of inspiration and insight! We have a handful of tickets left.

Thursday night | ActewAGL Super Dinner
https://www.shoalhavenbusinesschamber.com.au/event/super-dinner-2026/

12/02/2026

12/02/2026

Get paid to travel across NSW and gain hands-on experience. With free accommodation and generous allowances, the NSW Health Deployment Program allows you to explore, grow, and make a real impact — all while getting ahead in your career.

Interested in your own NSW Health Deployment Program adventure? The team is hosting regular webinars to discuss the benefits of joining the program, how to apply, available deployment locations, what to expect, and much more!

Register for a webinar here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v6eHptsC30O8u-eovaYRolqny7hV2XRBrcNvDnm49ZxUOTk0MDJETkJCMFkyMTc5SUZJWDBaNzRJRyQlQCN0PWcu

06/02/2026