Tonia Tribe, pictured with Peter Ross, is the new president of the Werribee Chamber of Commerce 87434 Picture: JOE MASTRIOANNI
By VANESSA VALENZUELA
TONIA Tribe is calling on Werribee residents to support their community by shopping locally.
The 45-year-old fashion boutique owner was elected the new president of the Werribee Chamber of Commerce (WCC) at the Annual General Meeting, taking the reins from Peter Ross.
Ms Tribe, who previously lived in Werribee for 10 years, is owner of Tonia T Boutique on Watton St and has been involved in WCC for the past six years.
As a child, Ms Tribe would spend most of her time helping out at her mother’s fashion boutique.
“I grew up spending a lot of time with her working in the shop so it was kind of inevitable I would work in fashion,” Ms Tribe said.
She said she decided to open her own store in Werribee after realising there was a gap in the market for quality clothing at an affordable price.
Ms Tribe will use her flair for fashion to help create a fresh, vibrant new look for the WCC.
“We are hoping to make it very proactive and try to get out in the community. We want to inspire people in the town and unite people in the town,” Ms Tribe said.
“I thought there was potential in Werribee and if like-minded people were to work together, we could make Werribee a destination for shopping, eating and create a sense of community.”
In her new role as president, Ms Tribe has started a campaign called Live Local Love Local which will encourage residents to shop and eat in Werribee.
“It’s about getting people to recognise that Werribee is really a great place to come,” she said.
“We want people create a buzz around town and get people to be proud to be a Werribee shopper and local.”
Ms Tribe is encouraging fellow traders to join the WCC and help make Werribee a top shopping destination in Melbourne’s west.
For more information about becoming a member contact Ms Tribe on toniatboutique@optusnet.com.au
