We’re incredibly proud to share some very exciting news – the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber has been inducted into the Business NSW Hall of Fame!
The announcement was made at the Business NSW Sydney Region Awards Gala at Sydney Town Hall on 10 September, following our achievement of being named Outstanding Local Chamber three years running – in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Three consecutive wins meant we were no longer eligible to re-enter the category this year. Instead, we’ve now been inducted into the Business NSW Hall of Fame, recognising organisations that demonstrate sustained excellence over consecutive years.
It’s an extraordinary milestone for our Chamber – and one we’re proud to share with our members and the wider Sutherland Shire business community.
Three years of growth and momentum
The past few years have been an exciting period of growth for SSBC.
Since early 2023, our paying membership has grown by 151%, while our total membership has increased from around 290 to more than 750 businesses.
Our events and programs have also continued to grow, with almost 1,900 attendees across 2024 and 2025, and event attendance up 240% since 2022.
Along the way, we’ve launched and grown initiatives including our Shire Villages Model, connecting government, business and community at a precinct level; the Southern Sydney Business Awards, independently judged and now recognising more than 60 local businesses; and programs such as EvolveFest and Shark Dive, supporting young professionals and emerging entrepreneurs across the Shire.
Giving local business a stronger voice
For us, being a Chamber is about more than networking and events. It’s about creating opportunities for local businesses to connect, have their say and be heard.
Through our Spotlight on the Shire series, we’ve brought local businesses face-to-face with senior decision-makers, including the NSW Premier, Opposition Leader, Treasurer and Shadow Treasurer, to discuss issues affecting our local economy.
We’ve advocated for better infrastructure, investment, workforce opportunities, Vibrancy Reforms and a stronger business environment for the Shire.
And we’re particularly proud to see the recent opening of the Cronulla Special Entertainment Precinct – an initiative that has been a focus of discussion and advocacy through our Spotlight on the Shire events.
While the precinct was delivered by Sutherland Shire Council with NSW Government funding, we see it as a great example of what can happen when the right issues are consistently raised, the right people come together and local business has a seat at the table.
A recognition of our whole Chamber community
Our current Vice President Pamela Wood, who served on the Board during part of our award-winning period, said the Hall of Fame induction reflects years of strategic work and the commitment of our volunteers and members.
“To be recognised three years in a row, and now inducted into the Hall of Fame, is an extraordinary milestone for our Chamber and our Shire,” Pamela said.
“It’s a testament to the vision the board set several years ago, and to a community of members who backed us every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud, and just as focused on what comes next.”
Former President Jeanne Zweck, who led the Chamber through all three winning years, also acknowledged the role of our broader business community.
“This award is really a reflection of our members and our board’s willingness to back bold ideas – from the Villages Model to the Southern Sydney Business Awards – plus the many collaborations that have supported us with Council, Business NSW, other chambers and industry bodies,” Jeanne said.
“Seeing the Chamber recognised for the third year in a row, and now inducted into the Hall of Fame, is a wonderful way to mark that journey.”
We couldn’t agree more.
This recognition belongs to our members, our Board, our volunteers, our partners and everyone who has contributed to the growth and momentum of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber over the past three years.
Three years. Three wins. And now, the Business NSW Hall of Fame.
We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come – and even more excited about what comes next.
#ShireThriveEverywhere