OUR MISSION
To empower the brave by creating space and community for them to connect, grow, and succeed.
Our story
Organically grown. wildly determinded.
We are a social impact organisation supporting a diverse and at times, geographically isolated, community of founders. We provide coworking desks, private offices, meeting rooms and event space, as well as a vast community network that gives people in regional Australia the best chance at commercial success in their own business.
In July 2017, Jillian Kilby wrote to the CEO of Telstra: "I would like to acquire the abandoned former post office and telephone exchange in Dubbo".
In November 2018, Telstra announced the sale of the building and Jillian delivered on her commitment to make the grand old dame the future home of The Exchange community.
We are a community and coworking space that first and foremost aims to build confidence, capacity and capability to increase the chance of commercial success of startups, those scaling businesses, and even those still sitting on the fence. People frequently arrive at our events to find the team unpacking more chairs due to unprecedented demand, and the words “I’ve been following you on Instagram” or “I have the biggest crush on your team.”
In the past 4 years, our startup has evolved and grown to thrive in our region and beyond, operating across three core pillars of impact and expanding to new sites. The opportunity to connect, learn and grow is far reaching. We have an online following of over 6000, a community of over 600 members, over 150 events marked off the calendar, our one of a kind Clock Tower in the main street of Dubbo, and brand new locations expanding our impact on the way!
Now in Narrabri
The Exchange Group is growing.
Growing in space.
Growing in location.
Growing in impact.
The road behind us is one to celebrate. 3 years on from launching our Dubbo site, we are thrilled to expand to a second location as we continue to ensure regional Australia meets its full potential.
The Exchange has taken up a second home in the northwest NSW town of Narrabri, opening in May 2022. The full renovation is almost complete and The Exchange has hired local talent to be part of the future.
We have purchased the original Faulkners Cordial Factory and Ice Works, a large heritage precinct with two 106-year-old red brick buildings located in the main street of Narrabri. We have undertaken a significant renovation using local trades who have restored one of the empty heritage buildings. It will be incredible to see this disused red brick icon brought back to life.
This second site will become our northwest hub for business owners to work and gather, fostering regional innovation and community, bringing together a diverse network of people who will have the space to connect, the room to grow, the opportunity to learn, and the support they need to succeed.
The Exchange has been overwhelmingly successful in Dubbo with hundreds of business owners using the coworking space and membership resources each year, and thousands of people following the organisation on social media. Narrabri and Dubbo will offer reciprocal benefits to members and tenants.
The Exchange Narrabri will provide coworking, private offices, meeting rooms and event space to hire by the hour, day, or year, as well as an extensive program of educational, capacity building and networking events and opportunities via The Exchange Business Activator (TEBA) program throughout 2023.
The opportunities will be endless for the Narrabri region. We cannot wait to see you there.
This is our story. And, we hope, it will be your story too.
Our Values
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Empowering
We know your potential is ahead of you.
The Exchange is behind you.
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Connecting
We believe in the power of connection and hope to create a community where opportunities cross path.
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Sharing
We aim to be a lifeline of information and ideas. We encourage our team and community to share space and knowledge and learn from each other.
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Growth
We are huge fans of growth mindset. We aspire to create space to think and room to grow.
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Courage
We hold seats for the brave and the willing. We challenge our team and our community members to face their fears and jump right in.
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Gratitude
Thank YOU!
We appreciate the good things and the wonderful people in our lives. We are so glad YOU are here!
Meet our team
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Jillian
Founder & CEO
Winner of the 2018 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award, Jillian is unwilling to settle for the status quo.
She approaches life optimistically, with the logical thinking of a civil engineer, the roll-up-your-sleeves attitude of a farmer’s daughter from Coonamble, and an altruistic passion for change.
Jillian splits her time between Dubbo, Sydney, and Silicon Valley. Her dream is to create a community of collaborators, to increase the confidence, capability, and capacity of business owners, no matter where they choose to live. -
Alex
The Exchange Group Manager
With an unstoppable drive for success and a passion for all things Regional NSW, Alex is on top of all things Exchange Headquarter Operations, also moonlighting as Jillian’s Executive Assistant
After 2 years working in Operations and Events in London and a stint remote working from Singapore, her focus is US! She has a drive for business development and team management, ensuring every experience at The Exchange is a great one for both our team and for YOU!
With family roots in Dubbo and a degree in Business from Charles Sturt University, she is ready to tackle any challenge for The Exchange team and our community.
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George
Narrabri Manager
A Narrabri local who has lived and breathed the region for over 20 years, George comes to us with incredible wealth of community experience.
Before becoming Manager of The Exchange Narrabri, George was managing their family farm enterprise (which she still does!) including financial accounting for the business.
A deep rooted connection to rural life, a calm and steadfast approach and vision, and a passion for Regional development across the North West and beyond see her leading our Narrabri location with ease.
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Kate O
Dubbo Manager
With a soft spot for the hospitality and lifestyle sectors, Kate has marketing experience with a Bachelor of Media & Communications (Marketing) plus a passion for learning and developing brands and regional businesses.
In 2022 Kate obtained her Master of Business Administration with the majority of her study done within the walls of The Exchange!
Despite a few years based in Wollongong and Sydney she still can’t surf but lists snowboarding as a favourite hobby, and keeps herself relaxed during her down time enjoying a good cheese board and a nice chardonnay!
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Abbey
Customer Experience Officer
With a degree in Media and Communications, Abbey has honed her skills as an Account Coordinator for a PR firm in Sydney, working in the fast paced media world!
Abbey has a strong background in the hospitality industry, managing marketing and functions at The Lord Dudley hotel since 2019, ensuring all customers receive an incredibly high standard of service.
Abbey begins her Masters in Teaching online alongside her role with us next year, and is looking forward to getting to know the Dubbo and Exchange Community in our front of house!
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Jade
Customer Experience Officer
Brought up on a cattle farm in Narrabri, Jade has returned back home from overseas where she worked in agriculture (and had some nice holidays) to finish her Bachelor of Education degree online.
Jade has worked in a variety of industries between Narrabri, Tamworth and Newcastle primarily in agriculture and hospitality where she acquired plenty of experience in customer service, whether it be conversing with truck drivers about their grain quality or carrying 3 plates whilst debating what the best canapé is (Arancini obviously).
She is excited to be part of the Exchange team in her role in front of house in Narrabri!
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Lucy
Customer Experience Officer
Born in Western Australia and bred in the heart of Sydney, to then have a change of scenery and live in a rural town on the south coast of NSW for 6 years, Lucy has recently moved to Narrabri as her love for the country grows.
Fresh out of high school having finished her HSC, Lucy has been working in the hospitality and sales field since the ripe age of 13, giving her plenty of time to expand her customer experience skills. She is passionate about her role and strives to ensure all members and visitors at The Exchange feel at home & appreciated!
Lucy is in our front of the house at Narrabri and is looking forward to connecting with the community more and more each day!
OUR VISION
10 years from now, people all around regional Australia will turn around and say “I started my business at The Exchange - and that made all the difference.”