Need space for your new business?

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

When Dennis Taylor was asked to frame a football jersey for the Killer Whales Rugby Club in Evans Head, he decided he liked doing that type of work.

“To start with, I did wood turning,” he said.

“Then when the club asked me to do the frame, I decided to set up a business in my single car garage.”

Orders started coming in and he realised he needed a bigger space.

This is where Evans Head and District Workspace Inc. (EH&DWI) came on board.

“EH&DWI has been going since the early 1990s,” said committee member David Parkinson.

“Back then, (Evans Head) did not have any office or work space.

“(Richmond River Shire) Council had started the new industrial estate in Evans Head and the committee managed to obtain a lot.

“We applied for grants and the state and federal governments both supported the idea.”

With the grant money, the EH&DWI built eight new units for start-up businesses to rent, run in conjunction with the NSW state government and Richmond Valley Council.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Dirawong Reserve Land Manager

“We had no trouble having people use them,” said Mr Parkinson.

“Currently we have a furniture restorer, picture framer, a start-up florist and various other businesses.”

Dennis has now been in his business space for nine years, despite most businesses moving on after a couple of years.

“Usually we give them a couple of years before they move on to other spaces,” said Mr Parkinson.

“If they want to stay, we bring their rent up to commercial levels.”

Currently, EW&DWI has two vacant spaces for anyone who needs space to start up a business.

“The units are 50 square metres (5mx10m) in size,” said Mr Parkinson.

“The Workspace committee asks for the potential renter to provide a business and

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Dirawong Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 140012 at South Evans Head notifed on 9-Jan-1987 for Public Recreation, Conservation Of Aboriginal Heritage, Preservation Of Fauna, Preservation Of Native Flora. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 16 June 2023.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au financial plan to prove the soundness of their idea.

“From there, the Workspace offers a low rent of $100 a week for the first two years.”

Part-time manager at the complex, Paul Goodger, can help with any questions and can be contacted from 3pm-

5pm, Monday to Friday on 6682 4800 or email evansheadworkspace@ gmail.com or visit the website ehdworkspace. com.au