Our Committee
Business Mudgee represents the business community within the Mudgee Region in Central NSW. An elected committee meets formally once a month to manage Business Mudgee matters and initiatives.
Business Mudgee holds an alliance with the Business NSW, which provides additional benefits to our members. We encourage and foster close relationships with other local industry bodies such as Mudgee Region Tourism, Mudgee Fine Foods, Mudgee Wine Association, Gulgong Chamber of Commerce, and Rylstone and Kandos Chamber of Commerce.
We initiate informative business seminars and networking events. These events allow interaction with other local business owners and often feature guest speakers in areas such as leadership, business development, marketing, motivation and OH&S, which help support and encourage our members in their business.
Committee 2024-2025
PRESIDENT
Grant Gjessing
Grant is the Managing Director of Strait Up Cranes & Rigging. With over twenty years' experience in the mining and construction industry, and over ten years as a crane company owner brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee. Grant is a strong advocate of both the mining and renewable energy sectors.
Grant grew up in Mudgee before living on the Gold Coast, London and Sydney. He moved back to Mudgee in 2008 and injected himself back into the community and starting a family here.
TREASURER
Danielle Lambert
Danielle is an experienced Operations Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the safety/workwear industry. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Business (BB) with an Accounting major from Southern Cross University and a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from Deakin University. Having worked in management in many different businesses she is really excited about her current position at Stripes Industrial Supplies assisting the business to grow into its next phase.
SECRETARIAT
Beth Cheetham
Beth is a local with a strong connection to our region. She is committed to supporting our local businesses and community. Growing up on a farm near Gulgong and living most of her life on the land, she has a keen interest in agriculture.
Beth has held various positions with local community groups and boards in both Mudgee and Gulgong. She has worked as a legal secretary for many years and runs her own business, Flowers by Beth, specialising in wedding design.
Committee Member
Adam Edwards
Adam is a solicitor with local firm Hannaford Cox Connellan & McFarland, where he focuses primarily on commercial law, conveyancing and civil litigation. Prior to this, Adam lectured in law at the University of New England, where he still does some lecturing on a part-time basis. Adam also owns a small superfine merino stud, although this enterprise has assumed hobby status in recent years. He is on the board of Kanandah Retirement in Mudgee. Adam holds a Masters in Law (Distinction) and a Graduate diploma in Legal Practice (Merit) – both from ANU – plus a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) and a Bachelor of Arts, both from UNE.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Katy Henderson
A Mudgee local born and bred, when Katy finished her schooling she headed to sunny Queensland for 12 years. Returned to Mudgee over 20 years ago and having been an aged care nurse since she was 17 years old, Katy decided for a lifestyle change and purchased Willow Collective (formally Vintage Rose) six years ago. Katy is excited to be a part of the Business Mudgee committee and is keen to see what the Committee can achieve for our wonderful Mudgee region business community.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Rebecca Redfern
Rebecca, a true born and bred local, completed her schooling at St Matthews Central School and Mudgee High School. Following the HSC, Rebecca completed an Advanced Secretarial Studies course at Mudgee TAFE and was awarded Dux of her year. Rebecca worked for several local law firms before spreading her wings and moving to Sydney and then on to London, working for a variety of law firms. Returning to Australia in 2001, Rebecca spent a couple of years in Sydney at a law firm and then returned to Mudgee to work for a Senior Partner in a local law firm for 15 years. Rebecca decided on a change of career and is now the Village Manager of Oak Tree Retirement Village, a position that she thoroughly enjoys. Oak Tree Retirement Village is Mudgee’s only independent living for over 55’s. Rebecca is also a member of the Mudgee and Districts Relay for Life Committee and enjoys giving back to the vibrant Mudgee community.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Matthew Hicks
Matthew is the Business Development Manager at CR Engineering. He has a process engineering background specialising in water, wastewater treatment and project management. With a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to understanding client needs, Matthew excels in collaborative efforts to achieve desired outcomes. He’s looking forward to learning and helping the Business Mudgee committee with what the future holds for the town.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Emily Parker
Emily is the co-owner of Airtime Media Solutions and Marketing Manager at the Property Shop. She has over 6 years experience in marketing and media. Emily grew up in Forbes NSW and lived in the USA for 7 years working as a professional dancer before moving to Mudgee to pursue her marketing career.
Emily is committed to being involved in the Mudgee Region community, also being a dedicated volunteer at the Mudgee Pantry.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Leigh Shoemark
Leigh is the General Manager of WTC Group a civil construction company based in Mudgee and Narrabri. With over 20 years of experience in various roles across the mining, civil construction, and earthmoving services sectors.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Rebecca Saunders
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Jess Tuck-lee
Jess has been a Mudgee local her entire life, completing her schooling at Cudgegong Valley Public School and Mudgee High School. She continued working in Mudgee after high school and has been a crane operator at Mudgee Cranes since 2016. Jess then took over the business management role in 2023 at Mudgee Cranes.
Jess is excited to join the Business Mudgee committee and looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of the Mudgee region’s business community