Over 85 years ... and still going strong Established since 1919 by a group of business owners, the Hornsby & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry or Hornsby Chamber of Commerce as it was first named, has witnessed and been an integral part of the growth and changes in Hornsby Shire. Hornsby's original business centre was known as "The Triangle" which was bounded by High Street (AKA Peats Ferry Road, AKA Pacific Hwy), Coronation Street and Station Street. Although the main shopping and business district is now centred the other side of Hornsby railway station, the Triangle still exists today containing many of the historic retail and commercial buildings. There have been many initiatives by Hornsby Chamber over the years to further the economic development of the Shire. Some were way ahead of their time. For instance, in 1921 Hornsby Chamber initiated late night Friday shopping! This was a social highlight of the week as the retailers stayed open late, the residents dressed in their finery and strolled the triangle, Hornsby Brass Band played at one end and the Salvation Army Band the other. "Soapbox" speakers dotted the streets sprouting their convictions on politics and religion. Historic Hornsby Photos courtesy of Hornsby Library Collection online Hornsby Chamber's conviction to advocation for it's members and the general well being of Shire business stems back to the depression in 1929. The Chamber lobbied the then Hornsby Council to run mains water to Brooklyn. Obviously this was an initiative to create local employment in these dark world economic times. The council didn't see it that way and the proposal was denied. Success though, did come eventually as Brooklyn does have mains water. Our ongoing research into Hornsby Chamber's history as yet is to uncover it's involvement during the WWII years and the world changing aftermath years of the 50's and early 60's but in 1965 Hornsby Chamber initiated a community event, Hornsby Orchid Festival and Parade, the likes of which have never been seen since. This 2 week event in September '65 was to raise money for Hornsby Hospital, an ongoing commitment that to this day continues by the Hospital and the community. Every day during the festival retailers placed on the footpaths potted orchids which the nurses from the Hospital sold to passers by. The President of Hornsby Chamber at the time, Warren Forbes of Forbes Footwear recalls " I received a phone call from the hospital matron telling me how while she appreciated all Hornsby Chamber and the community were doing to raise money that they still need to run the hospital, so could she please have some of the nurses back!" 1965 Parade photos courtesy of Kathie Comb; Hornsby Bush Telegraph Weekly (She was there!) The climax of the Festival was a huge Street parade that stretched from the car dealer, John A Gilbert (now Suttons Holden) on Pacific Highway Hornsby, through the town centre, over the railway line to and through the original historic shopping region (the Triangle). The parade had it all… A Hornsby Shire Council float carrying the Orchid Queen and her Princesses, Hornsby RSL Youth Club float, a car carrier with latest 1965 cars and then on foot a huge contingent of associations including 6 Scottish Pipe bands from all over Sydney, Marching girls and Majorettes, Local Boy Scouts, Cubs and senior Scouts, Girl Guides & Brownies, Air Scouts, Local school students on decorated bicycles and girls pushing decorated prams. Local car clubs also got into the spirit of the parade as did the local businesses represented by various moving displays. Through the disco '70s, the hectic '80's Hornsby Chamber's History is sketchy. Like any not for profit volunteer association the quality of record keeping is only as good as "help" you have at any given time or year. But as we forged into the 1990's the activities of our Chamber have been documented through file notes and media clippings. This decade saw Hornsby Chamber of Commerce "get out there". The membership grew to levels not experienced by the Hornsby Chamber since formation. We produced larger networking opportunities and took on the issues on behalf of the business communities. Some of the highlights included are the publication of Hornsby Shire Business Directory in 1994 (we still have 2 pristine copies) sponsored by ANZ Bank. The inaugural Hornsby Cycle Classic Criterion which ran annually from 1997, just a year after we became an incorporated association, till 2001. 1998 we moved into our new premises at Willow Park Community Centre opened by Berowra, Phillip Ruddock MP. 1999 saw the success of a Chamber Member for Hornsby, Stephen O'Doughety MP and Member for Member, Business Trade Fair held at Hornsby RSL. Enter the 21st Century, where technology and information go hand in hand as a new way of life and doing business. 2001 Hornsby Chamber launches into cyberspace with it's website. Over the next few years we expand with specialised sites as: hornsbyvillage.com.au and youthlearn.biz. Our ultimate years of progress, to date, would certainly be 2002 - 2004. Early in 2002 the Hornsby Chamber Executive made the decision to expand it's profile. The initiatives planned by the committee required the Chamber to expand it's office hours from three half days a week to five full days. This enabled the Chamber office to answer, and act upon, the business related and community issues without delay. It also enabled us to produce more benefits to membership. The initiatives and facilities produced gave Hornsby Chamber the highest profile in Hornsby Shire and beyond to date. Highlighted during these years by; in 2003 Hornsby Chamber I conjunction with Hornsby Shire Council Community Services & Commercial Properties divisions opened the Business Community Boardroom in Willow Park Community Centre. Our weekly business radio program, The Business Panel on local station Triple H 100.1FM went to air. Hornsby Chamber began taking on the issues such as Mall & Business Security, guerilla advertising and commercial space need in the CBD. Chamber works closely with local state & federal members. Judy Hopwwod MP & Phillip Ruddock MP Our inaugural Member of the Year Award went to Darren Hart Photography. This event was expanded on 04 to include Chamber Member business awards. 2004 exploded with Hornsby Chamber activity including, Youth Learning the Biz!A Chamber initiative for year nine high school commerce students. Every year since it's inception in 2001. Hornsby Chamber has been an active participant together with Member for Hornsby, Judy Hopwood in State Chamber's "Pollies for Small Business Week" During 2004 in Hornsby Chamber of Commerce's 85th year we came full circle as we initiated "Towards Hornsby Village" a rejuvenation program to revitalize and promote the Hornsby west side precinct (the Triangle) where it all began! This year was rounded off by Hornsby Chamber winning for the second year in succession, State Chamber award for Best Chamber initiative - Business Education for Youth Learning the Biz!. Our first was awarded for The Business Panel. This is the first complete documentation of Hornsby Chamber of Commerce History. Although only in "highlights" the Chamber hopes to publish the complete History as more archival information is discovered. If you have any documentation or images of our past please contact the Chamber office vai email: info@hornsbychamber.com.au or Telephone (02) 9482 8860 Timeline 1919 Business owners in the “Triangle” form Chamber of Commerce 1921 Chamber initiates Friday Late Night Shopping 1929 Chamber unsuccessfully lobbies Council to get an adequate permanent water main as far as Brooklyn 1965 Chamber initiates Orchid Festival & Parade 1990 First Business After Hours (BAH) held at Incognito Restaurant 1994 Chamber produces Hornsby Business Directory sponsored By ANZ Bank Hornsby 1995 ~ Former Aust Cricket Capt, Ian Chappell speaks at Chambers Bi-monthly Forum ~ Governor, Rear Admiral, Peter Sinclair speaks at Chamber Luncheon 1996 Chamber becomes an Incorporated ”Not for Profit” Association 1997 ~ Chamber Holds Business forum to discuss Westfield Redevelopment. ~ Chamber initiates Hornsby Cycle Classic Criterium 1998 Chamber opens office in Willow Park Community Centre 1999 Chamber organises Business Trade Fair ‘99 2001 Chamber launches website hornsbychamber.com.au 2003 ~ Chamber opens Business Community Boardroom ~ Chamber’s “The Business Panel” goes to air on Triple H 100.1 FM ~ Chamber holds “Meet the Candidates” for State Election ~ Chamber advocates for PCYC Building against 19 George Street DA ~ Chamber advocates for more Mall Security ~ Chamber invited to join Mall Consultive Committee ~ Chamber wins State Chamber Award for “The Business Panel” ~ Chamber's Member of the Year Award is intitiated ~ Chamber holds “LIVE to AIR” Xmas Party in Hornsby Mall 2004 ~ Chamber sits on PACT for 3rd Year ~ Chamber’s “Youth Learning the Biz!” initiative huge success ~ Chamber initiates “Towards Hornsby Village” initiative ~ Chamber advocates commercial space previsions in Draft DCP ~ Chamber participates in State Chamber’s “Pollies for Small Business Week” for 3rd Year ~ Chamber holds Commercial Need Forum ~ Chamber advocates for more business security ~ Chamber wins State Chamber Award for “Youth Learning the Biz” ~ Chamber holds inaugural Member of the Year Business Awards Chamber Office Room 7 1st Floor Willow Park Community Centre 25 Edgeworth David Avenue Hornsby, NSW 2077 Australia Postal Address: PO BOX 1622 Hornsby Westfield NSW Australia 1635 Telephone: (02) 9482 8860   Fax: (02) 9482 8525 International +61 2 9482 8860 Email:info@hornsbychamber.com.au Hornsby Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Meetings 1st Tuesday of the Month February - November Venue: Shamrock Inn, Asquith Leagues, 37 Alexandria Parade Waitara NSW Australia Times: 6.00pm - 6:30pm (networking) 6:30pm - 8:00pm (meeting) Cost: Members & Guest FREE, Non-Members $35.00 AUD 3rd Tuesday Lunchtime of the Month February - November HDCCI Berowra & District Sub-Chamber Venue: Varies each month. See homepage for details Times: 12 Noon - 2:00pm Cost: Members & Guest FREE.   Non-Members $50.00 Lunch & Beverages included. 4th Tuesday Lunchtime of the Month February - November HDCCI Women in Business Venue: Asquith Golf Club - Lord St, MT COLAH Times: 12 Noon - 2:00pm Cost: Members & Members Guest: $38.00 ea Non Members: $45.00 Lunch included. Bookings Essential First Tuesday in December Member of the Year Business Awards Venue: Varies. See homepage for details in October Times: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Cost: Announced in October.