Committee member Robert Kay said businesses in the Southern Highlands were invited to take park and hear Dr John Hewson AM as the guest speaker.

The former federal Liberal Party leader is now an economist, company director and commentator and is expected to have plenty to say that would be of interest to business owners and managers.

Mr Kay encouraged those attending to invite their friends, colleagues and business connections in the region to join them.

"We are also very fortunate that one of the region's premium venues, Bendooley Estate, has once again agreed to open for breakfast especially to host our event," he said.

"There is no charge for attending the breakfast, but we do hope that you will make a generous donation on the day. Admission to the event is only available to people who have pre-booked, so please send your RSVP in as soon as possible.

Registrations to robert kay315@gmail.com.

Meanwhile the Wollongong Business Appeal Committee of Michael Bassingthwaighte, Nathan Heard, Roger Downs, Peter Fitzgerald, Mark Wilson and Mike Archer have chosen April 30 as the date for the city's Red Shield Appeal corporate fund-raising event.

It will be staged at the Salvation Army's Burelli Street premises with guest speaker former NBN Co chief executive officer Mike Quigley.

Heard McEwan Lawyers is sponsoring the free business breakfast, which starts at 7.15am.

Registrations can be made by emailing Laura Price at exec@peoplecare.com.au or calling 4224 4337.