DUBBO has been earmarked for expansions, redevelopment and even new development by supermarket giant Woolworths Limited, according to CEO Grant O'Brien.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Woolworths supermarket at Orana Mall will undergo refurbishment, which is set to get under way in the next financial year, while the supermarket at Delroy Park is set to be expanded in four to five year's time.
Woolworths Limited is the umbrella company responsible for nine retailer stores across Dubbo, including Dan Murphy's, BSW Liquor, Big W and Woolworths Petrol, as well as the Woolworths supermarkets at Delroy Park, Riverdale and Orana Mall.
In 2016, it will celebrate 50 years in the town, with the first variety store opening here in 1966.
Woolworths Limited has also earmarked Dubbo for a branch of the company's home hardware chain Masters, with development to begin after 2016.
Mr O'Brien made the announcements at Thursday morning's edition of the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Speaker Series, which was attended by in excess of 80 local business owners and employees. "Our investment in the this part of the world is going to continue," Mr O'Brien said.
"The refurbishment of the Orana Mall is the next one off the rank. It'll be a multi-million dollar development."
He said partnerships between Woolworths and local businesses around Dubbo were also a vital part of the company's model.
The supermarket chain sources cattle from the Peacock Beef and Mirambe feed lots in Dubbo, while in 2015 the Early Rise Bakery (which owns and operates the Village Bakery) supplied the hot cross buns to local Woolworths supermarkets.
"Dubbo is a really important supplier," Mr O'Brien said.
"We're also the only domestic buyer of Fletcher International Exports." But partnering with local suppliers is not the only way the company contributes to the local economy.
Woolworths Limited employs about 500 people directly in its different stores around Dubbo, including welcoming around 87 young Australians to their first day of paid employment every day.
"If there's anything I'm proud of it's that - is young people getting their first job," Mr O'Brien said.
"These are things that change kids' lives and this is the role Woolies can play. Woolies takes its role in the community very seriously."
Another part of that role is supporting small businesses through indirect employment, such as the electricians and other tradespeople who contribute to the maintenance of stores.
"Big business can't operate without the co-operation of small business," Mr Grant said.
"Partnerships with local business... These are not just important things for Woolworths, they're important for employers and growth in Dubbo."