About Us

With a rich history and diverse precincts, our business community is committed to creating a thriving and inclusive environment for local businesses and their customers. We understand that supporting the local economy is crucial for the overall well-being of our locale, and we are committed to ensure its success.

Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or part of a larger organisation, we are here to support and connect you. From networking and educational events to advocacy and promotion, we offer a wide range of services to help your business thrive.

Become A Member

Meet the team

Governance Committee

Governance Committee pledges its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance, accountability, and transparency. Elections to fill vacancies are conducted annually during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Meet the team

James Thorpe

PRESIDENT
CEO Odd Culture Group
Hospitality business owner; reformed academic philosopher and artist tour manager. I own four businesses in the Newtown-Enmore area, where I live with my husband and two cats. I’m passionate about creative, dynamic and unique business expressions — and about getting government on-side and out of the way to allow the market to do it’s thing. My interests lie in the areas of town planning, liquor licensing and hospitality development, and I’m part of the chamber because I believe in strongly advocating for our local businesses in these areas.
Ella Collins

VICE PRESIDENT
Group Business & Relationship Manager, Solotel
A hospitality professional, I am a Group Operations Manager for the Inner West Solotel venues, and a board member of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. As an Inner West local, I am passionate about the growth and success of the Newtown Enmore Precinct. I thrive on creating diverse experiences, with an emphasis on late-night safety and inclusion across the community. I believe with the collaboration of this diverse chamber, we will see the precinct thrive, across its eclectic 24 hour economy.
Min Chai

TREASURER
Co-Founder Toyko Lamington
I'm Min Chai, co-founder of Tokyo Lamington, where I've mixed my love for unique flavours into every lamington. Operating out of Newtown, I've poured my passion into creating a space where tradition meets innovation. Beyond the shop, I love knitting and traveling, hobbies that fuel my creativity and influence my culinary journey.
Heleana Genaus

SECRETARY
Architect and Co-Founder Rising Sun Workshop
As a local, practising Architect and co-founder of Sydney’s first communal D-I-Y motorcycle workshop and hatted restaurant, I'm passionate about cultivating innovative, community-centred businesses and building on our collective history through the next gen. As an architect, I’m interested in how our environments influence our experiences and the impact of placemaking to create a sense of belonging. Our precinct has a long history of community, creativity and collaboration, and I'm determined to see it revive and thrive

Email
Lucy Godoroja

PUBLIC OFFICER
Owner All Buttons Great and Small
As the owner of All Buttons Great and Small, I have been pushing buttons in Newtown since 1989. I live and breathe Newtown, embracing the suburb's creativity and vibrancy. One of my greatest joys as a specialised destination business is meeting customers who have come from far and wide (whether from Sydney, across Australia or around the world) and talking about this neighbourhood; letting others know what else they can do, where else they can go, and sharing insider knowledge.
I was a founding member of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and am back to support the next generation of enthusiastic business owners in the newly formed Newtown Enmore Business Community.
Oscar McMahon

EXECUTIVE
Co-Founder & Director, Young Henry’s
I am a Founder and Director of Young Henrys Brewing, a little brewery established in the back streets of Newtown in early 2012. After attending Newtown High School & Enmore Design Centre, through constant and varied contact with so many other business owners in the area through Young Henrys, our time partnering with Newtown Festival and as a board member of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre; it is safe to say that being a witness to the remarkable evolution of Newtown since 1993 has been a truly wonderful and formative experience.
Josh Shipton

EXECUTIVE
Local Musician and front man of Josh Shipton and the Blue Eyed Ravens
Inner west local since my birth in Camperdown, 1976. Musician, composer, conductor, producer of original music since my first gig at Manning Bar with Kinderschmerzen in 1992 until my most recent gig with Shark Arm last Saturday at MoshPit. Singer, guitarist & bass player who has worked consistently during the last 32 years in the Inner West specifically.
Current member of Josh Shipton and the Blue Eyed Ravens, Shark Arm, The Valentitanic Trio, Josh Shipton Orchestra and Tree Of One. Current curator of EVIL (Experimental Vs Improvised Live) and The Sydney Cringe Festival.
Also wears a wedding dress and clown makeup. We haven’t worked out why yet.
Michelle St Anne

PROGRAM AND MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Artistic Director & CEO, The Living Room Theatre
I am a practicing multidisciplinary theatrical artist and artistic director of The Living Room Theatre.
I was a founding member and Deputy Director at the Sydney Environment Institute where I oversaw the Institute’s operations and engagement, including its notable public programme. I love connecting people and creating partnerships across the art world and businesses.
You’ll see me walking the streets, talking to business owners having a good yarn.

Email