90 Years of Advocacy: The Story of the Eumundi Chamber of Commerce
In 2026, the Eumundi Chamber of Commerce celebrates a remarkable milestone - 90 years since the documented formation of a Chamber of Commerce in Eumundi.
Research conducted through the National Library of Australia’s Trove archive has uncovered fascinating insights into the Eumundi Chamber of Commerce history, its origins and the role local business leaders played in shaping the future of the town.
The Beginning (1936)
The earliest confirmed record appears in the Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser on 11 September 1936.
The article reports that the recently formed “Eumundi Business Men’s Association” had merged into a Chamber of Commerce, led by President J. R. Candy and Secretary-Treasurer T. O. Jones.
Even in its earliest days, the Chamber was focused on practical advocacy and community development. One of its first major priorities was lobbying for construction of Eumundi’s main street as part of the Bruce Highway.
Additional advocacy included:
- improvements to town presentation,
- better infrastructure,
- and upgraded railway stockyards for the district.
Only weeks later, newspaper reports recorded engineers visiting Eumundi to prepare plans for a bitumen-surfaced main street.
Dormancy and Revival
Historical records suggest the original Chamber later became inactive. By 1970, newspaper reports described the organisation as having been “in recess since 1966”.
That same year, local business leaders recognised the need to restore a formal business advocacy body for the district.
On 26 November 1970, the Noosa News announced plans to reform the Chamber. Just one week later, 17 local residents formally re-established the organisation as the Eumundi and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The newly reformed Chamber immediately resumed work on local issues including:
- water infrastructure,
- public telecommunications,
- road improvements,
- and emergency services.
A Continuing Legacy
The modern Eumundi Chamber of Commerce Inc was formally incorporated in 1995, creating the governance structure that continues today.
Looking back across 90 years, one thing is clear: while the issues facing business and regional communities may evolve, the Chamber’s purpose has remained remarkably consistent.
For generations, local volunteers, business owners and community leaders have worked together to advocate for the future of Eumundi, strengthening the town through enterprise, collaboration and civic leadership.
As the Chamber celebrates this milestone anniversary, it also honours the many individuals whose contributions helped shape the Eumundi community we know today.
Eumundi Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Suters said the anniversary provided an important opportunity to recognise the generations of volunteers and business leaders who contributed to the regions development.
“The historical record shows that local business leaders have been advocating for Eumundi and the wider district for nearly a century. While the challenges may change over time, the Chamber’s role in supporting local enterprise and community connection remains as important today as it was in 1936.”
The Chamber will acknowledge the 90-year milestone as part of its upcoming 2026 AGM on Tuesday May 26, 2026, and annual reporting activities to members.
For further enquiries please contact Eumundi Chamber to admin@eumundichamber.com.au
