At the Western District Chamber, we’re all about supporting and connecting local businesses in our vibrant community. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established company, we’re here to help you thrive.
Our mission is simple: to be the voice of business in the Western District. We advocate for the interests of our members and work tirelessly to create a supportive environment where businesses can grow and succeed.
Through networking events, advocacy efforts, and valuable resources, we strive to bring our business community together and foster collaboration and innovation.
Join us as we work towards building a stronger, more prosperous Western District for everyone. Together, we can achieve great things!
To grow WDC as a dynamic, sustainable organisation which provides exceptional value for its members by providing current and comprehensive information services, advocacy, lobbying, and networking and training opportunities, to achieve its vision.
WDC is the voice for local businesses representing all businesses in the region, and is the first port of call for business issues, providing outstanding business information services and representing the interests of the business community.
We strongly encourage buy local campaigns and put the priority of Southern Grampians Shire businesses first.
We are transparent, honour our commitments and adhere to high ethical standards.
We aim to be visionary, future-orientated in our thinking, and decision-making.
We aim to deliver services and products that will exceed our members' expectations.
We actively consult, engage and communicate with our members and stakeholders encouraging feedback and input.
- Provide leadership to the business community
- Be a representative for the Southern Grampians Shire businesses
- Promote an environment which enables businesses to flourish
- Foster standards of excellence within the business community
- Act as an independent non-political advisory group
- Identify business needs
- Influence training providers
- Act as an information conduit to the Economic Development Unit
- Drive prosperity
- Create a sustainable community
Bruach is the founder of The Roxburgh Café and Rox Coffee Roasters, and now leads Momentech, a consultancy that helps local businesses and schools strengthen their strategy, systems, and technology.
A former Mayor of the Southern Grampians Shire, he continues to contribute to the community through board roles with Western District Health Service and other local organisations.
Driven by a passion for regional innovation and creating opportunities for young people, Bruach brings a practical, future-focused perspective to everything he does.
Outside of work, he enjoys roasting coffee, mentoring emerging leaders, and spending time with his family.
Kate is an Agribusiness Executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, with a Bachelor of Agriculture from Marcus Oldham College. She combines experience in farm business management, data analysis, and rural finance to deliver tailored financial solutions that help agricultural enterprises thrive.
A Rural Leadership Program graduate, Kate brings hands-on experience in livestock and crop production and is passionate about building a strong, sustainable future for Australia’s farming communities.
Daniel Knight is a Senior Agri Relationship Manager with ANZ Diversified Specialised Industries, supporting clients across South West Victoria and the Wimmera. He works closely with a broad portfolio of agribusiness and commercial clients, delivering tailored financial solutions that foster growth, innovation, and long-term resilience.
A strong advocate for agribusiness sustainability, succession planning, and the modernisation of primary production, Daniel is committed to helping rural enterprises build prosperous, future-ready operations.
Outside of his professional role, Daniel assists in managing his partner’s family sheep and cattle farm and co-manages Grampians Villas, a boutique accommodation business located in Halls Gap.
James has spent more than 13 years working with small and medium-sized businesses at Findex Hamilton, providing accounting and business advisory support. Over this time, he has built strong relationships with clients across a range of industries, helping them navigate challenges, plan for growth, and achieve their goals.
Born and raised in the region, James values being part of such a strong and connected community and is passionate about supporting the long-term success of local businesses.
Marie is the Site Manager of are-able (formerly WDEA Works), a not-for-profit employment service provider that has supported the Hamilton region for more than 30 years. Born and raised in Coleraine, she attended local schools, raised her own family, and now enjoys watching her grandchildren grow up in the community she loves.
With her family involved in small business in Coleraine for more than 50 years, Marie continues that tradition of entrepreneurship, recently starting her own micro business. She is passionate about supporting local people and creating opportunities for the region.
Allan is a young veteran who served 23 years in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and is an active member of the Hamilton RSL Sub-Branch. Now the Integrated Systems Manager at Ultrabuild Construction Group, he holds a Master of Business from the University of New South Wales.
Having returned to Hamilton with his wife and three children, Allan is passionate about supporting veterans and helping local organisations and businesses strengthen their sustainability and community impact.
Monique and her husband own and operate Precision Waterjet, a manufacturing business specialising in high-precision cutting for a range of industries. She also works with NAB as a Commercial Broker Banker, where she supports business clients with tailored financial solutions.
Drawing on her experience as both a small business owner and banking professional, Monique has a strong understanding of the practical challenges faced by local businesses and is passionate about helping them succeed. She values the opportunity to contribute to the Chamber and to foster a strong, connected local business community.
Outside of work, Monique enjoys spending time with her husband and their one-year-old daughter, Flo.
Josh is an Agribusiness Executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and is currently completing a Master of Applied Finance at UNSW. Raised on a farm in Branxholme and educated in Hamilton, Josh has spent much of his career working in corporate forestry across the South West and Western District regions. He now supports agribusiness clients throughout the South West, delivering tailored financial solutions to help their businesses grow.
Actively involved in local communities, Josh is passionate about contributing to the success of the region through initiatives such as the WDCC.
Bec was born, raised, and educated in Hamilton, and has always maintained a strong connection to her hometown. After exploring the world, she returned to raise her family and build a life deeply rooted in the local community.
A proud mum, wife, and owner of two thriving photography businesses, Bec is passionate about capturing meaningful moments and giving back to the community that shaped her.
Jamie is a beef and sheep farmer based in Tahara, south-west Victoria, where he has managed his family farm since 2015. He has a strong passion for safe, effective animal husbandry and a keen interest in pasture management and grass production.
Not one to follow a traditional path, Jamie’s journey into farm management didn’t initially involve further study. After completing Year 12 in 2010, he spent five years working across a variety of farms before returning home to take on a leadership role in the family business. It was during this time that his enthusiasm for continuous learning emerged. Jamie has since completed his Wool Classing Certificate, two Diplomas, and a Bachelor of Agriculture.
In addition to his formal qualifications, Jamie has taken part in several professional development and leadership programs, including the GenAngus Future Leaders Program (2021), Leadership Great South Coast (2021), the World Farmers’ Organisation Gymnasium Program (2023), and The Observership Program (2024).
Outside of farming, Jamie enjoys travelling, reading, and playing tennis and golf—both, as he admits, not particularly well. He also helps run a short-term accommodation business, Grampians Villas, with his partner Daniel in Halls Gap.
To Make a Difference: Joining the committee is your chance to have a real impact on our community. Your involvement helps shape the future of our local businesses and the area as a whole.
Give Back: This is a fantastic way to give back to the community that supports you. Your time and effort can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Contribute Your Strengths: Everyone has unique skills and talents. Bring yours to the table and contribute to something greater than yourself.
Learn a Lot: Being on the committee is a learning experience. You'll gain new insights, skills, and knowledge that you can apply both professionally and personally.
Collaborate with Others: Work alongside other business owners and employees in our region. It's a great way to share ideas, solve problems, and create new opportunities together.
Promote Personal Growth: Being part of the committee challenges you to grow. You'll develop new skills, boost your confidence, and become a stronger leader.
Be the Voice of Local Business: Ensure that our local businesses have a strong, united voice. Your participation helps advocate for the needs and interests of our business community.
Bring the Business Community Together: Help foster a sense of unity and cooperation among local businesses. Together, we can achieve more.
Meet New People: Expand your network and make new connections. You'll meet a variety of people who share your passion for making our community better.
Contribute to Future Success: By joining the committee, you're investing in the future. Your efforts help create a thriving environment for the next generation of business leaders in our town.
Join us and make a positive impact on our community today!