Our History
Business Mudgee has supported the local business community since 2002, when it was established as the Mudgee Business Association. In 2013, the organisation evolved into the Mudgee Chamber of Commerce, continuing to build on its role as a central voice for local business. Over time, it has been guided by dedicated committee members.
Today, Business Mudgee continues this legacy as a member-based organisation representing businesses across the Mid-Western Region. Through regular committee leadership, alignment with NSW Business Chamber, and a focus on connection, communication and advocacy, it remains committed to supporting a strong, sustainable and engaged local business community.
Your Committee
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.
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
Rebecca Saunders
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Col Boyd
Col Boyd has proudly called Mudgee home for over 25 years and is a well-known, active member of the local community. An award-winning professional photographer with a Diploma in Professional Photography (High Distinction), Col is passionate about capturing authentic moments and telling meaningful stories through his work. He is the President of the Cudgegong Camera Club and a dedicated supporter of the local creative community. In addition to his photography career, Col is a licensed wall and floor tiler, bringing a strong work ethic and attention to detail to everything he does. Col has also demonstrated his commitment to the region by standing for local council and currently serves as a committee member of Business Mudgee. His involvement reflects a genuine passion for supporting local business, community growth, and the future of the Mudgee region.
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
Lisa Iversen
Lisa brings over a decade of local insight and a strong background in sales and leadership. After six years as a Sales Representative, she joined Telstra in 2019 and has since advanced through multiple roles, including Sales Agent, Operations Manager, and Store Manager.
Her broad experience across the business enables her to lead with confidence and deliver results. Lisa is driven to grow the business while setting a high standard for customer service and supporting the success of local customers and businesses.
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
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
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Orrin Akers
Orrin is the quality, compliance and safety manager of Mudgee Engineering & Fabrication, Orrin has a fabrication background and over 15 years of experience across multiple industries throughout NSW, bringing a practical, hands-on perspective to his work.
He’s passionate about supporting local businesses and helping the Mudgee community grow, and enjoys working with other local leaders to create opportunities and strengthen connections across the region.