Pumicestone Chamber membership surges

Pumicestone Chamber of Commerce has grown to 363 members in just 17 months, with the expanding business network welcoming new committee members as it looks to build on its networking and education programs across the City of Moreton Bay.

The free-to-join organisation has recorded significant growth since launching in May 2025, increasing from 132 members at its first Annual General Meeting in October last year to 348 at this year’s AGM. That figure has since climbed to 363, representing a 175 per cent increase over the past 12 months.

Chamber President and co-founder Michael Parker said the growth reflected the organisation’s commitment to making business connections accessible to local operators.

“When we started this, we said connection comes first and cost should never be the reason a business owner stays on the outside.”

The membership milestone comes as the Chamber expands its leadership team following its AGM at Bribie Island RSL on October 13, where Michael and fellow co-founder and Secretary Karen Lewis were re-elected alongside Treasurer Justin Owttrim and committee member Shirlee Green.

Six new committee and sub-committee members have joined the team, including Vice President Mark Fogerty, bringing additional business experience and capacity to an organisation that has built its membership around removing the cost of joining a business network.

Since its establishment, the Chamber has delivered networking events, workshops and business education opportunities designed to help local operators build relationships, share knowledge and develop new commercial connections.

According to the Chamber, 34 events have attracted 663 registrations since July 2025, covering everything from networking breakfasts and sunset drinks to workshops on artificial intelligence, digital marketing and sales. Its largest event, Monster Speed Networking at Sports Central Caboolture in April, attracted 65 registrations.

The organisation has also expanded its digital presence, launching the Moreton Bay Business Hub in February 2026. The regional directory had reached 345 business listings at the time of the AGM announcement, providing another avenue for local businesses to increase their visibility and connect with potential customers and suppliers.

The expanded leadership team includes Mark Fogerty, Ray Richardson, Jimmy Sullivan and Heather Cutcheon, with Lorraine Nielsen and Cat White joining as sub-committee members. Together, the group brings experience across industries including hospitality, retail, property and professional services.

Karen said the additional members would help the Chamber broaden its activities without changing the principles behind its establishment.

“Being re-elected is a vote of confidence in the model, not just in us. Our vision and our values stay exactly the same. What six new committee members give us is the capacity to do more of it, and do it bigger. Moreton Bay business owners should watch this space,” Karen said.

Despite its name, the Pumicestone Chamber serves businesses across the City of Moreton Bay, with membership remaining free and its education programs continuing to draw on local business expertise.

The Chamber has flagged further announcements in the coming months as it looks to build on its growing membership and expand opportunities for local businesses to connect.

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit Pumicestone Chamber of Commerce.