December 24, 2021
2021 has been a difficult and challenging year for many of us and for businesses in Haymarket in particular. For many months during the year, the Sydney metropolitan area was under lock-down restrictions and just when they were gradually being lifted, the Omicron virus became a new threat. This has had an adverse, and in some cases devastating, impact on businesses in Haymarket, in particular with the absence of international tourists and students.
At the Chamber, we are working closely with the NSW Government and the City of Sydney in an effort to rejuvenate and revitalise the Haymarket precinct. We also welcome the NSW Government’s plan to create a new theatre precinct in Sydney centred on George Street and Haymarket. Haymarket would indeed be an ideal and natural location for such a precinct given its existing infrastructure and facilities. The Chamber will assist the Government in every way that it can to bring this proposal into reality.
On a personal note, I am honoured and humbled to have been endorsed and elected by my committee colleagues at our recent AGM to be the new President of the Chamber. I take over from Simon Chan who stepped down as President. Simon’s leadership and contribution as President for the last 7 years can only be described as sterling and magnificent. There is much more work for us to do at Haymarket and I commit our executive committee team to continue to serve to the highest level as is expected of us.
Last but not least, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous festive season and look forward to seeing you at our Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year Banquet on Friday 11 February 2022.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Vincent Lim
President
