Chamber Council & Meetings

Janine Bear is the President of the Armidale Regional Chamber of Commerce, bringing more than three decades of leadership, governance, and business experience to the role. A Broker and Principal of JC Bear & Associates since 1993, Janine has successfully negotiated and closed approximately 1,000 transactions across residential, rural, and luxury markets, earning a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles within professional associations and community organisations, and is deeply committed to education, ethical practice, and business capability building.

Michael Jackson is a sixth-generation Guyra local whose life and career have been shaped by people, community, and the land. A sheep and cattle grazier, Michael combines deep regional roots with a lifelong commitment to rural Australia. Before retiring, he built an exceptionally successful career as a Stock and Station Agent, known for trust, fairness, and long-standing client relationships. He later served as NSW President of Can Assist, where his leadership made a lasting difference for rural families across the state.

Warren Coventry is a fifth-generation Armidale local with deep family roots in the region and a lifelong connection to agriculture. A sheep and cattle farmer continuing a five-generation farming legacy, Warren is a graduate of the University of New England with a Bachelor's degree in Financial Administration. He brings a practical, financially grounded perspective to business and investment, with extensive knowledge of both Australian and American political systems and active investments in commercial real estate across Australia and the United States.

Diane Gray is the Chief Operating Officer of the 360 Group, where she leads strategy, operations, and organisational performance across a growing portfolio of businesses. She also operates her own practice, Change Play Coaching and Counselling, providing business and life coaching as well as professional counselling support. Diane brings extensive experience in business strategy, leadership development, and governance, with a strong focus on supporting organisations and individuals through growth, change, and complexity.

Steve Mepham brings 40 years of business experience, including numerous startup ventures developed and sold as going concerns. Owner Operator of High Country Production for over 30 years, he has been heavily involved in the Events Industry. With 20 years of executive experience in senior management roles within Government Agencies and Emergency Management, Steve brings extensive governance experience as a Director on three Boards of Management, including one at State Level. He has served the community as an Elected Councillor and is deeply committed to supporting strong community groups and vibrant business in our region.

My wife, three children and I moved to Guyra in 1999 after the sale of the family farm that I managed at Wandsworth. Roles since leaving the farming life include: FarmBis Training Coordinator at New England Community College, Managing Editor of The Guyra Argus, Manager of Community Technology Centre @ Guyra, Partner in business manufacturing relocatable storage units, Manager of Guyra Rural Services for 13 years, and Owner/Manager of Guyra Rural Services, which I purchased in 2023. I am currently a board member for the Guyra Neighbourhood Centre, Treasurer for Guyra Men's Shed, committee member for the New England Amateur Beekeepers Association, and member of the Guyra Landcare Network. I completed a Diploma of Agriculture in 2010 and have since self-educated in many aspects of Regenerative Agriculture including soil biology, chemistry and fertility, completing Holistic Management training and studying grazing management, multi species fodder cropping and foliar plant and soil nutrition.