Business Name: Yass Plains and WMDGroup

Number of years in business: 12 years

What led you to join the committee?

1. Getting to know the diverse and talented pool of people involved in the Chamber (both members and previous committee) dedicating their time and energy;
2. Being involved in the positive and collaborative process that led to the development of the Chamber's 2020-2021 Strategy and Strategic Priorities.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

Business Administration and Project Management, Web Development, Marketing and Digital Advertising.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

The People. Our community is made up of a diverse range of people and businesses that are striving in a supportive and collaborative manner to deliver a range of opportunities and improvements to the Yass Valley.

Business Name: Yass Plains 

Number of years in business?   

My family business has in operation for more than 70 years within the local community. I have been involved in the management of the business for 14 years. 

What led you to join the committee?  

I joined the committee because it was natural extension of the role I was playing as an active member of the Chamber. The Chamber and its committee work with the community to create a stronger, more exciting Yass Valley and I value their comradery and skill driven passion to achieve this. 

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

My main role within the committee is to facility collaboration between invested community members and businesses at our monthly breakfasts. Being a director of a small business, I am intimately aware of the needs & challenges presented to small businesses along with actions required to resolve them, particularly in a regional setting such as Yass.  

 What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

Every business community member I meet is excited to share knowledge and resources to help each other build a stronger Yass Valley.  

Business Name: Merchant Campbell

Number of years in business? 

Current retail business since 2017 so 6 years.  Business partner & director of Talmo Pastoral Co for 31 years, a commercial grazing fine wool & sheep meat operation.

What led you to join the committee?

I’ve been a member of the YVBC for quite a few years, and during that time I’ve been impressed by the work of the committee, their breakfasts and what they achieve within the community.  I was honoured to be the recipient of a YVBC Small Business award in 2018 which was the most enormous thrill and to be honest the most wonderful confidence boost.  When I was invited to join, I felt it was time to contribute.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

 I love a party, dealing with people and I enjoy organising events. I’d attend the opening of an envelope and have a deep sense of community.  I’m not afraid to voice my opinion when I think it’s necessary.  I have a raft of experience across both government and small business and am a long term resident of the Yass Valley.

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

We’re a growing town with fabulous proximity to Canberra and the Hume Highway.  Our Chamber is positioned to be the leading force to drive and grow business within our community

Business Name: Thyme to Taste Beer and Wine Emporium

Number of years in business? 11

What led you to join the committee?

I have a bit of time now that I no longer run a cafe and thought it would be a good opportunity to join a committee that I have an invested interest in.  I also want to promote the Yass Valley to tourists and locals alike so I would like to get to know more people and have more face to face conversations rather then just on social media.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

I love promoting Yass and the food and wine options. I have a vast knowledge on wine and food matching and the unique offerings in Yass.  I have been promoting Yass local produce for many years and what we don't produce directly I manage to put a local spin on it or link it back to Yass somehow.

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

The businesses in the area are supportive and promote each others businesses. Referrals and acknowledgements from other business gives great positive vibes and makes having a business and working here enjoyable. You really do feel you are part of a community. 

11 years in business in Yass. Formerly proprietor & manager of Yazzbar ( business sold in 2025) and now, with Harvey Walsh proprietor of Yazzbar Wines.  A label that sells Riesling &  Shiraz  and leases a small vineyard on Dog Trap Road.

What led you to join the committee?

As a resident of Comur Street and as a business proprietor of Yass I believe I can bring an informed perspective on the business climate of Yass.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

I have insight into the commercial climate of Yass and the analytical skills to interpret the aspirations of the businesses and citizens of Yass.

Business Name: The Village Building Co.

Number of years in business: 38

What led you to join the committee?

Village is a substantial landowner in the Yass Valley Region with long term investment and interest in the community. Providing support to the Business Chamber will ensure the economic success of the region will benefit everyone.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

My background is as an Urban Designer and Architect, undertaking large scale revitalisation projects.  I have worked with local councils to help revitalise their main streets or CBDs, including for Goulburn and Queanbeyan. I have experience in land development, architecture, government, and community engagement.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

The community driven support of local businesses. The monthly networking events that bring in speakers from different backgrounds to discuss what’s they are doing is valuable to promote what is happening in the region.

Business Name: Sixth Sense Healing 

Number of years in business: I came to Australia with a long background as a Royal Navy Officer in Defence and Government Media, and have been running my media consultancy business, Sixth Sense Consultancy for the past five years. I am now focusing on developing my holistic healing business, Sixth Sense Healing, where I work with people to bring themselves back into energetic alignment with who they really are. 

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?  I have wide experience in strategic comms, public relations, networking, and community engagement, and bring insight into all things marketing, promotions, advertising and business development. Retraining as a holistic therapist has softened how I work, and I now enjoy connecting with people in a much more heart-centric, energetically-aligned way. I particularly want to see our local wellness businesses grow and succeed - it’s a real growth area in the Yass Valley and has so much to offer our region. I also love singing the praises of our wonderful community and bringing the wellbeing industry to life on Yass FM Community Radio and through my podcast 'Wellness Valley'.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? Our support for each other and our community spirit - we are much stronger together! 

Business Name: Yass Valley Property

Number of years in business: 23 years

What led you to join the committee?

The main street strategy was the main one

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

I am well connected in the local community

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

We have a diverse range of skills and ideas and work collaboratively towards a common goal