A lifelong Gosford resident, Mr Lawley was elected President of the influential Business Chamber, replacing long term President and chamber member Rod Dever.
Mr Dever announced that due to career commitments, he was resigning as President of the Business Chamber effective from August 9, 2022.
A ‘Legacy legend’, Mr Lawley is CEO of Legacy on the Central Coast, based at the Legacy Village on the Gosford Waterfront.
On joining the Chamber Board last year, Mr Lawley said: “Having lived through over 50 years of changes in Gosford, I’m keen to be involved with business groups to help revitalise ‘my hometown’.”
He took to Social Media to compliment Mr Dever on almost two decades of service to the Chamber.
“As the President, I am fortunate to assume this role after Rod’s excellent leadership and I will take the role on with the same passion and commitment.”
In accepting the position, Mr Lawley acknowledged his predecessor’s ‘passion and commitment as President’.
“Rod has been a Board member for over 17 years, he has been Vice President, President for two terms, as well as President of the Regional Business Chamber,” he said.
“Rod’s passion for supporting the business community in these roles cannot be underestimated, and he has demonstrated tremendous leadership and commitment. I am pleased he will remain available as a Board member to help the Gosford Erina Business Chamber continue to move forward.
“He has established a solid framework for the Chamber and on behalf of all members I thank Rod for his tireless work.”
Mr Lawley is a Gosford local through and through and he said: “I intend that all levels of Government and business understands the Gosford Erina Business Chamber is here for the long term, is active and will not stop in advocating to improve the wonderful capital of the Central Coast - Gosford, and surrounding suburbs.”
He has been the CEO of Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy since 2010 based in Gosford.
Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy operates the Retirement Village in Gosford, provides welfare support to more than 1200 beneficiaries on the Central Coast and supports the families of those who served their country.
Mr Lawley’s past roles have included Chief Executive of Legacy Australia Inc, CEO and Operations Manager of not for profit Aged Care and Retirement Village Operators, as well as Director of Corporate services and Finance in NSW public hospitals and health services.
He has more than 30 years’ senior management experience in Health and Aged Care Services, with qualifications in accounting and health management.
He has a passion for the region and as someone who had commuted for many years, understands the need for business opportunities to increase local employment as a priority.
