THERE’S not many areas of the Hunter community that Richard Anicich hasn’t been involved in, and it’s not surprising to hear he believes the best is to come for the region.
“There’s a lot more to do here, the last five years has been the start of massive change within the CBD and beyond, and the Hunter is not just about the Newcastle CBD but a revitalised and vibrant CBD as the regional capital has benefits for the region,” the lawyer and business leader says.
“The next stage is we are creating a more liveable, exciting city but we need to focus on attracting outside and private investment to create long term employment, interesting tech-driven new age manufacturing and professional services jobs to the region.
“A part of that is developing better connections between here and Sydney - I’m not talking about a bullet train but I think there are opportunities to develop faster and more comfortable rail connections … to encourage major corporates to establish parts of their organisations here and to create further opportunities.”
Mr Anicich, a former partner, now consultant to Sparke Helmore, director and former president of Hunter Business Chamber and Hunter Medical Research Institute Foundation member, among other roles, is humbled to be made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day 2017 Honours for his service to community, business development, medical research and law.
“You don’t do what you do in the community for seeking awards but it’s nice to be recognised,” he said. “So many others do so much and deserve recognition; our community wouldn’t survive otherwise.”
