News & Events

GKBL Welcomes New Directors

June 2011 – Following the resignation of Mick Peirce and John Leo from the Management Team, GKBL is pleased to welcome Norma Higgins and Trudi Oxley as incoming Directors. Norma is a passionate cook and mango grower and the founder of the Katherine Community Market. She is an active supporter of Horticulture and Agriculture in the Katherine Region and was awarded the NT Australia Local Hero commendation in 2010 and the NT Rural Woman of the Year Award in 2008. Norma is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Trudi has a strong commitment to developing the Northern Territory Cattle Industry, and has to this end worked with the Department of Resources for more than 10 years. In April this year she was honoured with a Recognition Award from the NT Pastoral Industry in acknowledgment of her personal dedication to the industry. Both Norma and Trudi bring a wealth of experience with them, and GKBL is very pleased to have them as active members of the Management Team.

Facebook link
	8 February 2011 – Growing Katherine Business Ltd embraces social media! GKBL now has its own facebook page! So if you would like to keep up to date with small business related activities, training and seminars as well as helpful and thought provoking tips and tricks to improve your business become a Growing Katherine Business facebook follower.

Enterprise Facilitator trains in Sydney

5 July 2010 – Enterprise Facilitator Linda Blackwood attends another Sirolli course in Sydney. This is a fantastic refresher, as well as strengthening Linda’s relationship with the other Australian Enterprise Facilitators (Felix in Sydney, and Mark in Cobar). This second course was organised by Felix, and Linda was very pleased to be invited to attend. The training was delivered by Linda McGowan, so it was quite a reunion for all.

Third Resource Board Meeting
	Oct. 7 2009 - The Resource Board celebrated its third monthly meeting with a breakfast as the Coffee Club. A number of clients were presented, and assistance was offered. Thanks to the staff for providing assistance with setup and keeping us well fed.
Resource Board briefing by Dr Ernesto Sirolli
	July 3 2009 - Briefing of the Resource Board on their roles and responsibilities via live video link up with Ernesto and Master Facilitator Linda McCowan. This included a key discussion about Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Competition. Consideration of these issues by the Resource Board is vital in maintaining client and community confidence. Thanks to the Katherine Research Station for use of their video conferencing facility.
Information Session - Invitation to Board Participation
	May 18 2009 - Background information on the GKBL Enterprise Facilitation method by Management Team member John Leo. Enterprise Facilitator Linda Blackwood was introduced and spoke about her role. Community members asked a variety of questions about the nature of the project. A number of people indicated their interest in joining the Resource Board. Thank you to the Katherine Motel for the venue and breakfast.
Briefing of the Katherine Town Council Elected Members
	April 2009 - Management Team member Julie Newton introduced Enterprise Facilitator Linda Blackwood to the Elected Members. Together Julie and Linda gave a short presentation on the Enterprise Facilitation method of economic development and the role of the Resource Board. The Members were invited to make a personal commitment to promoting the project and/or joining the Resource Board to complement the promise of funding to be provided by the Katherine Town Council.
Enterprise Facilitation Training
	April 2009 - Management Team member Julie Newton and newly appointed Enterprise Facilitator Linda Blackwood traveled to Cobar, NSW to undertake a five day intensive course in the Sirolli method of Enterprise Facilitation. The course was delivered by Dr Ernesto Sirolli and hosted by Cobar Enterprise Facilitation Inc. All participants found the training very stimulating and are looking forward to working with clients within their communities.
GKBL is launched
	June 2008 - Growing Katherine Business Limited (GKBL) was launched at a community gathering at Kumbidgee Lodge. The Minister for Regional Development - Kon Vatskalis introduced the Directors of GKBL - Julie Newton, John Leo, Anne Shepherd and Mick Peirce. The Minister also promised funding for four years to support the project.
Dr Ernesto Sirolli visits Katherine
	Feb 2008 - At the invitation of the Katherine Economic Development Committee (KEDC), Ernesto visited Katherine and inspired members of the Katherine community with his approach to community sustainability. The KEDC decided to support the development of a trial Enterprise Facilitation Project based on Ernesto's concept.