CBD Sydney Chamber

Update: Improving Dixon Street Work will soon start to upgrade Dixon Street between Hay Street and Goulburn Street. The City of Sydney's plans for Dixon Street are a part of a wider Haymarket and Chinatown Revitalisation Strategy. We developed this strategy following extensive community consultation over three years, which included community forums, online surveys and market stalls. Works will include: - Decorative inserts into the existing street pavers  - New custom-designed street furniture  - New electrical supplies which will support events and the Chinatown Markets. Works are expected to start on 25 August 2025 and will take around ten months to complete. There will be some machinery noise and dust, and some minor impacts to pedestrian access along Dixon Street and to some businesses, including for outdoor dining. Works will be staged to minimise impacts on people working, living in or visiting Chinatown. The Friday night market operator made the decision to suspend the markets while the work is underway. Staff are working with the operator to explore feasible options for temporary relocation. There will be no works during the Sydney Lunar Festival 2026. The project team and contractor QMC, will keep Dixon Street residents and businesses informed as work is approaching your area. Find out more. If you would like to speak with a Council officer about these works, you can contact Sean Scales, Senior Project Manager, on 02 9265 9333 or at [email protected].

Buongiorno! Now here is a great example of two CBD Sydney Chamber Member businesses teaming up to complement each other. Sophie Brown is heading to Italy next year to shoot a seven day workshop that will be run by Heidi Horne - Founder l Speaker l Peak Energy Coach l Author. Not only will they work together, but you can join them there! See details in the post below. Bravo!

5 minutes of your time can make a big impact. Business NSW Business Conditions Survey is now open. Survey close date 18 Aug The Business Conditions Survey is now open, and we want to hear from you. It's time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities for your business. Tell us: How would you rate your business prospects for FY25-26? Business NSW will use your feedback to advocate on your behalf and push for greater access to support and resources for your business. As a thank you, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to a live webinar on 16 September 2025, where we’ll explore key economic trends and business insights – only available to survey participants. Survey closes 1pm 18 Aug 2025. It only takes 5 mins. and you can complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/ghV8DGdK David Borger Omar Afiouni BSc JP MHFA GAICD David Silberstein Henry McKenna Bruce Whall Joel Masotti Shiana Tyler Alistair French Kylie Waddingham Kerrie Dale Simer Mayo Farid Zaki Jason Barles

Grants Applications CLOSE Tues 12 August If you have a great idea that would benefit our area, check out these grants and sponsorship opportunities. The winter round is open for applications until 4pm on 12 August: - Innovation and ideas grants - Food support grants - Green building grants - Festivals and events sponsorships - Creative live/work spaces in Ultimo and Waterloo Programs open all year, until budget exhausted: - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund - Quick response grants - Dixon Street improvement grants   For more information: https://lnkd.in/gyNsB4S Omar Afiouni BSc JP MHFA GAICD Nerida Pearson Lee Toomey Shelli McAlpine Shazia Imran

19 Aug from 8.30 am CBD Roundtable focuses on Spring into Property Have a question about property, but not sure who to ask? Whether you’re a first-home buyer, business owner, investor, renter, downsizer, or working in the property space we like to invite you to this event. Table this opportunity to start conversations and questions you have personally or professionally about property. This event is for you.   Join us for a practical and engaging round table discussion where you’ll get insights from industry professionals and the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to you. Each expert will share what they do, how they can help, and what you need to know to take your next step in the property world. Hear from: - Licensed Buyers Agent, Vendor Advisor & Designer: Understand how to buy smart, negotiate with empathy, and design with purpose - Property Lawyer: Learn the legal ins and outs of contracts, leases, and ownership structures - Commercial Leasing Agent: Ask about finding the right space for your business, leasing terms, and tenant/landlord rights  - Architect: Explore ideas on renovations, DA processes, energy efficiency, and future-proofing your home or investment - Property Maintenance Expert: Discover how to protect your property value and avoid costly surprises - Banker/Broker: Get clarity on borrowing, loan types, structuring finance, and getting loan-ready. Be part of the conversation. More info & to register: https://lnkd.in/ggN8CVG6 Connie Mastroianni l Buyers Agent I Sydney Crombie Pitts Daniel Bligh Ruben Hales Ozge Fettahlioglu Adam Thomas Michael Azzi Mary Odisho

Book Launch: Small Business, Big Impact Book Launch Aug 22 from 5.30 pm, Alan Border Pavilion - Mosman You are also welcome to the Unchained Brand and Book Launch. Dr Stephen Morse of Unchained Solutions Pty Limited and Bronwyn Reid from 4T Consultants Pty Ltd have co-authored Small Business, Big Impact - an extremely well written and candid assessment of both the obligations and expectations that all Australian SME business owners and managers must consider. If you've been in business a while you might find this a fresh perspective on how the concept of corporate responsibility has “moved on”. For start-up and SME’s businesses looking to create sustainable businesses - this is a must read as they look to craft a compelling business strategy. Small Business Big Impact is a comprehensive “primer” for SME business owners. It raises the important issues from a statutory compliance perspective but also shows how it can be applied to engage staff and inform customers on the positive actions being taken. The direction provided can help create better businesses. Look forward to seeing you there. More information and to register: https://lnkd.in/gBCZBWSh Gregory Story Max-Ariel Haas Diana Rico-Roa Omar Afiouni BSc JP MHFA GAICD Nerida Pearson Berna Gok

  Catching up with CBD Sydney Chamber Member Tommy Lim and the team from SF Capital This week we had the fantastic opportunity to attend a mid-week function presented by Tommy Lim and his team from SF Capital   SF Capital is a mortgage broker looking after all sorts of lending requirements – but specialises in providing solutions for individuals who are self employed.   Tommy and the team hosted Banking on Burgers at the amazing Mary’s Burgers in Reiby Place Circular Quay (remember The Basement, well that’s it). A great crowd were treated to a first class interview between Tommy and business owner & co-founder of Marys Burgers Jake Smyth.   Jake shared his story around starting the business – and his amazing passion for hospitality and the entertainment businesses. The challenges along the way included money of course, and that’s where Tommy and the SF Capital team were there to assist. Jake now has a number of Marys Burgers locations – The Underground at  Circular Quay, Newtown, The Entertainment Quarter, CBD in Castlereagh St and Mary’s VX North Sydney. Plus great burgers and food to boot!   Thank you Tommy & the team from SF Capital for hosting this great opportunity to meet business owners and learn more about the expertise of the SF Capital team. Fiona Yue Bruce Whall Omar Afiouni BSc JP MHFA GAICD Connie Mastroianni l Buyers Agent I Sydney Cristina Lee Diala Elazzi

After 5 Networking 28 July Great support from our members and guests for this event. Wonderful to have representatives from among the Chamber's Sponsor Members including the Bank of Sydney, BSI Learning, SoftLabs and ANZ Bank with us. We also welcomed guest including the Hyatt Regency Sydney, East Global Finance, Ladderco NZ, Future Wellness Group, Authentic Thriving, Customer Return, ClockOn, Advanced Navigation Solutions The Collaborative Group and RSM. We hope to see them at our next After 5 Networking on 26 Aug at CUPRA City Garage: https://lnkd.in/gPCdN-Vz. Olha Dromina Ken Laing Zoran Lozevski Olivia Tomka Nathan Williams - The Pitch Coach Matt Squires Leighton Wilson Mary Odisho Mirjana Boznovska David Wyndham Alistair French

22 Aug at The Langham Sydney from 8.30 am CBD Women in Business Network: presents: Still Worried About The Imposter Syndrome? Looking at how to strengthen your confidence and ability to be the best you can be. Many of us at some stage struggle with self-doubt, a lack of confidence or a fear of being found out that maybe we are not as competent as others might think.    The term imposter syndrome has been used to describe these kinds of feelings. It can affect almost anyone and can motivate  highly competent individuals question their abilities, feel that they don’t belong, be overcome by anxiety as a result of possible failure and dismiss their accomplishments. This session will explore key tools and strategies to give you relief from the uncomfortable feelings associated with imposter syndrome and to strengthen your ability to engage in work and life with greater confidence and ease.   From recognising the impact of undermining thoughts to embracing gentle research based-strategies to support yourself and your nervous system, our expert speaker, Tulsi van de Graaff, Communication and Conflict Expert shares valuable insights and actionable steps to help you overcome imposter thoughts.   This will be an interactive and welcoming session with opportunities to meet other like-minded individuals, share stories and reflections and most importantly to know that you’re not alone.   Presented with a light breakfast incl. a selection of breakfast canapes, pastries, tea & coffee More information and to register: https://lnkd.in/gkRnmdeG Laura Gutiérrez Tanvi Mehta Krensel Magdalena Kosior-Molloy,MCom Jasamine Goddard Maria Karavokyros Aija Bruvere Mirjana Boznovska Aoife Schlindwein Tara Newby Louise Blair

Congratulations to our inaugural CBD Sydney Local Hero Award Winners & Finalists After 5 Networking last night was a great opportunity to launch our inaugural CBD Sydney Local Hero Award. The pitches were tight! The horn was sounding at the 2 minute mark and the intensity of the pitch messages was there. Thank you to our five finalists for doing a great job: Bruce Whall of Bruce Whall Consulting Sophie Brown - Photographer Aija Bruvere - CEA Capa Rob Frank - Verve Creative Events Dimitra & Athena - Mirabela Executive Agency But there can only be one winner, right? Well no, in fact the pitches were so close that two winners - Bruce and Aija were declared! Well done both. We are looking to conduct these quarterly as a way of recognising the talent within our community and support their collaboration with other member businesses. Special thank you to our hosts Connie Mastroianni l Buyers Agent I Sydney and Campbell Gould of Byrons for helping set up and drill our pitches, and Omar Afiouni BSc JP MHFA GAICD Afiouni for rounding off the presentations. Images from the evening and the pitch were captured by Michael Thompson Photography and can be viewed via the website link here: https://lnkd.in/eAEAX-jb Danielle Drysdale Jennifer B. Arnab Maity Gerald Garcia Kirstie Haddad Ben Burrows Nerida Pearson. Paul Nicolaou