Edition 5

Meeting Notice for 20th July 2026

The Family Hotel at 6:00 for 6:30pm

PROGRAMME: Elizabeth Chaffey

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 This week we welcomed Mark Sleiman, a local real estate professional with 17 years’ experience, who gave us a data-driven rundown of the property market and broader economy.

Key points:

• Interest rates & economy: Cash rate sits just above 4% and rising, with inflation still the key driver. Consumer confidence is near COVID lows despite the economy continuing to function.
• Equity position: Very few Australian mortgage holders are in negative equity — most have substantial buffers built up from recent price growth.
• Tamworth outperforms the cities: Tamworth has grown 83% in capital value over 10 years (8.4% p.a.) versus Sydney’s 55% (5.6% p.a.). Median house price is around $625k–$700k, well below Sydney’s $1.4m, and Tamworth properties can still return neutral-to-positive rental yields — almost unheard of in metro markets.
• Supply shortage: Stock on market has dropped year-on-year; the region isn’t building enough new dwellings, particularly missing-middle housing like units. DA approvals are up, but construction costs and builder shortages mean most approvals aren’t converting into actual builds.
• Construction labour drain: Big projects (Baiada, mining-adjacent work) are pulling tradies away from residential building into higher-paying commercial/industrial work, worsening the housing shortfall.
• Federal Budget impact: Anecdotal office data showed a dramatic shift — investor purchases in Tamworth dropped from two-thirds to one-third of sales post-Budget, but only about 10% of that freed-up stock went to first home buyers. Mark expects rents to keep climbing (potentially ~20% over the next 12–18 months) as a result.
• Short-term/corporate rentals: Strong demand from FIFO workers and companies like Thomas Foods leasing multiple properties for staff housing, tightening the long-term rental pool further.
• Outlook: Mark expects continued price growth and rental pressure in Tamworth given the ongoing supply-demand imbalance, while noting all views were his own and not financial advice.

A lively Q&A followed covering short-term rentals, AML/CTF changes now affecting real estate transactions, and comparisons with Sydney relocation stories.

Thanks to Pete Dillon for the notes

PRESIDENTS REPORT

Another well attended meeting on Monday night, albeit a little early as the new chef got out of the barrier quickly and had the meals hitting the table before 6.30.   
 Our guest speaker, Mark Sleiman,  presented a very interesting review of the realestate industry and the impacts of the recent budget so far. I think there will be many changes to be had in the realestate arena as the dust settles on the budget. Please refer to our technologically generated, AI enhanced, summary of Mark's presentation. The accompanying slide show will I hope be available as an attachment/link from the bulletin.    
    It gave me great pleasure as current President to induct two new members into our Club on Monday night. Rob Lockwood and Mark Coulton who have been attending several recent meetings will be valuable additions to our membership and bring vocational knowledge and community spirit that is a great fit for Rotary and our community.      As recognition of our Club's support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, we received a letter of thanks and a Certificate of Appreciation noting the $1000 donation to the Service. It was unfortunate that PP Scott was not able to be receiving this as it was part of his year as president.    Applications are now open for the RYPEN program to be held at Tea Gardens on the October long weekend (Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th October) and is available to school age students (13 to 17). Cost is $440 per participant. If you know of any worthy young person who would benefit from this program, please make the suggestion to them. A level of support would be available to assist a candidate to attend should that be required. Any questions can be asked at rypen@rotary9660.org.au   
       I'd like to recognise Ken Douglas' efforts behind the scenes to facilitate accommodation for the two staff accompanying the MHERV (men's health van) in late August. I will pass this information on to the First Light Club who are the primary Rotary organisers for this event, and I'm sure the reduction in their costs will be appreciated.

        Finally, a reminder about our commitment to the Sporting Car Club to man their gate this weekend, 18th and 19th July. We still require two volunteers, one on Saturday morning and one on Sunday morning. If you are able to assist please add your name via Clubrunner or contact Scott Edwards with your availability. 
Until next Monday, 

YIR Gav.

INDUCTION ANNIVERSARIES

Henry Melssen 20 years, Don Eather 15 years

Induction of new members Mark Coulton and Rob Lockwood with their sponsors Bede Burke and Frank Henry. 
Welcome gentlemen !