Executive Committee

BILL SADDINGTON - President

Growing up in the Nord’s Wharf area Bill left school at 16 and his career path was to enter the family business, being the eldest son. Bill worked in every aspect of the business from store man, truck driver, mechanic, sales representative to IT implementation, logistics coordinator until he was appointed Managing Director in 1978. At this time Saddingtons Building Supplies had one depot and 35 employees. Today the business has 200 plus employees and five depots, a fleet of 65 delivery and sales vehicles. The business operates eight distinct corporate divisions covering specialised areas of building supplies through to development of residential and commercial land and buildings.

Bill is passionate to see Swansea and the 2281 area develop into a thriving and vibrant Town Centre with a diversity of retail shopping and an enhanced visual appearance.

Bill is associated with many nonprofit and charity organizations in the Lake Macquarie area and is currently the Chairman of Lake Macquarie Combined Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Newcastle Zone 2, Red Shield Appeal and was named 2007 Hunter Business Chamber Business Person of the Year.

FRED ROBERTS - Vice President

Fred's career has covered many industries including agriculture, transport, retailing, manufacturing and mortgage broking.

Fred moved to Swansea 4 years ago from the Southern Highlands of NSW with his wife Robyn, together they established Channel Direct Home Loans. Since moving to Swansea, Fred has taken a keen interest in the 2281 Business Chamber, firstly as a business owner and recently taking on the role of Vice President. Fred's other interests in the community are the local soccer club and the South Lakes Branch of Justices of the Peace.

Fred believes Swansea has much to offer and can see the chambers role as playing an intergral part in the future development and growth of this area.

ANN SMITH - Secretary

Ann has been a Member of the Swansea & Districts Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years and was elected as Secretary at the AGM in August 2008. Ann currently looks after the residential Mobile Community Monitor Members.

Ann and her husband Alan came to Caves Beach from the Mudgee area over 10 years ago with their young daughter to manage the Breakers Holiday Caravan Park, which is currently being redeveloped and will be known as the Caves Beachside Resort.

Both Ann and her husband Alan having worked in the hospitality field found managing the Caravan Park took them to a different sector, but found it very rewarding and the Caves Beachside Resort will again take them into a very different and challenging direction, which they are looking forward too.

Ann and Alan have been married 33 years. With their daughter now an adult and successful in her chosen career, with achieving a Degree in nursing at Newcastle University, Ann believes that the decision that she and her husband made 10 years ago to move to the 2281 area has been the best decision for their family and is looking forward to being involved in the growth and development of the 2281 area of Lake Macquarie.

KAREN BATES - Treasurer

Karen is a chartered accountant with over 18 years experience in advising small to medium enterprises on business accounting, tax and superannuation matters. In late 2008 Karen’s keen sense of community involvement lead her to join the 2281 Network and in January 2009 became Treasurer. Karen operates her own business, Advantage Accounting, specialising in professional and personal service to family business owners and managers. Managerial roles at prominent Hunter region accountancy practices have provided Karen with her broad knowledge on issues facing small to medium businesses.

Karen is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning.

Karen believes the attraction of retail, lifestyle and service businesses to the 2281 area will make the most of its coastal and lake natural beauty.

LARRAINE RUSSELL - Town Centre Coordinator

Larraine moved from the Central Coast, where she was a resident for over 20 years, to the 2281 District to be closer to her family. While residing on the Central Coast, Larraine worked in the marketing and sales area with the media, firstly in radio then into television where she held the position of Sales & Marketing Manager.

Larraine has also worked for a non-profit organisation, where she was successful in developing and growing the organisation. Larraine feels her wealth of experience gained over the years in management, advertising, marketing and sales will benefit not only the 2281 Network, but the community as a whole.

The role of the Town Centre Coordinator is to grow membership, liaise with business and the community, develop events and promotions and lobbying local council and local state and federal governments to ensure growth and development of the 2281 District.