Championing the Next Generation at the 2025 Youth Expo

Last Thursday, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce proudly took part in the 2025 Youth Expo, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council as part of Youth Week. Held at Town Hall, the event brought together students from Year 10 to 12 to explore their post-school options in work, training, and further education.

At the Chamber stand, we showcased:

• Our Member Job Board, filled with current job openings, career pathways, and apprenticeship/traineeship opportunities offered by our members.

• Copies of our 2025 Guide, outlining the Chamber’s key priorities and upcoming initiatives.

• A short youth survey, created to help us better understand what motivates Gunnedah youth to stay or return to town after study.

While our survey received a small number of responses (a great reminder that phone-free events need pen-and-paper backup!), we gained valuable insights. Students told us they want:

• More visibility into the jobs available locally

• Better education options

• Increased support from schools and families in making future decisions

Encouragingly, many students said they felt supported and welcomed in the local workforce – a credit to our employers and community. The Chamber also used the opportunity to connect with local organisations in attendance, sparking positive conversations around our Gunnedah Beyond 2050 Strategy and the upcoming Next Gen initiative.

While our Next Gen initiative is youth-focused, it’s specifically tailored to those aged 16–35 who are in employment, leadership, or business pathways. It’s not specifically designed for school students — but as our community’s future workforce, it’s vital to keep them on our radar and continue building a bridge between education, employment, and long-term opportunities in Gunnedah.

We’re proud to support the youth of Gunnedah and look forward to deepening these connections throughout the year.

📹 Watch the video recap (reel) on the Youth Expo.

💡 If you’d like to contribute ideas, job opportunities, or resources for future events like this, reach out to us at secretary@gunnedah.org.au.