23/05/2026
Like most volunteering, you often get back far more than you put in, and our Iain is the personification of that! Thanks boss - we appreciate you and everything you do every day!
💙 National Volunteer Week Spotlight 💙
Next up, meet Iain Goodway, Deniliquin Business Chamber Treasurer, whose dedication, wisdom and commitment help keep Chamber strong behind the scenes while championing our local business community.
✨ Get to know Iain…
👤 Your name
Iain Goodway
⛳ Your business/organisation
Deni Golf Resort
💼 Your role on the DBC committee
Treasurer
📅 How long have you been involved with DBC?
I have been involved with the Deniliquin Business Chamber since 2020, so around six years now. It has been a great way to connect with the local business community and contribute to the town Debi and I now proudly call home.
💡 What inspired you to join the committee?
After relocating from Sydney and purchasing Deni Golf Resort, Debi and I were welcomed into Deniliquin very warmly. Joining the Chamber felt like the correct thing to do, so I spoke to the EO, who invited me to attend the AGM. I was not able to attend, but somehow got voted on, and the rest as they say is history! I feel it is a natural way to give back, meet other local business owners, and play a small part in supporting the town that had supported us.
🤝 What do you enjoy most about volunteering with DBC?
I enjoy working with people who genuinely care about Deniliquin and want to see local businesses succeed. There is a great mix of practical support, advocacy, event planning, problem solving, and community connection. It is rewarding to be around people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.
🌟 What’s been your proudest moment or achievement as a committee member?
As Treasurer, I am proud to contribute to good governance, financial accountability and transparency within the Chamber. They may not always be the most glamorous parts of volunteering, but they are important. I am also proud to be involved in a Chamber that celebrates local success, promotes shopping locally, and helps shine a light on the people behind our business community.
📣 What do you think is the most important role DBC plays in our community?
DBC gives local businesses a collective voice. It connects people, advocates for the business community, celebrates success, and helps create opportunities for businesses to learn from and support each other. In a regional town, that connection is incredibly valuable.
🔍 What’s one thing people might not realise about the work DBC does behind the scenes?
People probably see the events, awards and public campaigns, but may not realise how much planning, administration, advocacy, governance and follow-up happens behind the scenes. There is a lot of volunteer time that goes into keeping things professional, organised and useful for members.
🏡 What do you love most about Deniliquin?
The community. Debi and I have often said that Deniliquin welcomed us almost from day one. There is a real sense of belonging here, and people genuinely look out for one another. That is something very special.
🛍️ What’s your favourite local business to visit and why?
It is far too hard, and probably a bit dangerous, to single out just one! I enjoy visiting local businesses where you can see the owners’ passion and personality come through. Whether it is hospitality, retail, trades, tourism or services, Deni has many businesses run by people who care deeply about their customers and their community.
📍 If someone was visiting Deni for the first time, what would you tell them they must do?
Take the time to enjoy a round of golf, walk along the river and through the Gardens, explore the town, support a few local shops and cafes, and have a proper chat with the locals. Deni is not just a place to pass through; it is a place to slow down and experience. Of course a visit to the Ute Muster site, the Depot, Peppin Heritage Centre, The ERAS Art Gallery, The Historical Society Museum and many of our must visit places are also recommended.
☕ Coffee order at Coffee + Connections?
A large latté with an extra shot – and always better with good conversation!
🔥 Favourite way to spend a weekend?
In reality weekends often include a bit of work, a bit of volunteering, and hopefully a bit of relaxation. When time permits, I like to light a braai (BBQ) fire or my smoker and cook up some fine proteins, sit on the deck and gaze out at the kangaroos on the golf course. Later there is normally some form of sport on TV that I enjoy, to fall asleep in front of!
🌍 A fun fact people might not know about you?
Before becoming a motel owner/operator in Deniliquin, I spent more than four decades working in sales and business development across IT solutions, including in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions. It has been quite a career change, but a very rewarding one.
⚡ Quick-fire round
🌅 Early bird or night owl? Both
🍂 Summer or winter? Spring and autumn
🧀 Sweet or savoury? Savoury definitely
🌾 Beach holiday or country getaway? Country getaway
📞 Phone call or text message? Phone call
❤️ Why do you think volunteering is important in regional communities like ours?
Volunteering is one of the things that keeps regional communities strong. So many local events, clubs, services, and initiatives rely on people being willing to contribute their time and skills. It builds connection, creates pride, and helps make things happen that otherwise might not.
✨ What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Give it a go. You do not need to have all the answers or a lot of spare time. Even a small contribution can make a difference. Like most volunteering, you often get back far more than you put in – through friendships, connection, purpose and the satisfaction of helping your community.
Thank you, Iain, for everything you do for our business community 💙
