40 Bundaberg Women of Influence 2021 revealed
Experts say women’s approaches to leadership differ in many important ways that can benefit organisations if they learn to harness them. Today we celebrate 40 of the most motivated, successful and inspirational women in our community.
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The Bundaberg NewsMail wants to recognise and applaud the most inspirational, influential and visionary women of 2021.
They are the women who have helped lead this region through another year of the pandemic, snap lockdowns, vaccinations, masks and public debate.
We are committed to increasing the visibility of women’s leadership in our community, and there is no end to the number of incredible local women to celebrate.
They are CEOs, doctors, volunteers, principals, farmers, influences and everything else in between. Here they are, in no particular order, Bundaberg’s 40 Women of Influence of 2021:
Inspector Anne Vogler
Anne was sworn into the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in December 1994 and performed general duties in and around Brisbane until 1998 when she transferred to State Crime Operations Command.
While in this position she served in various squads including Task Force Argos, Major Fraud Investigation Group and South East Asian Task Force. In 2002 she transferred to the Hendra Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) where she attained her Detective’s appointment.
In 2007, Anne was appointed Detective Sergeant at Pine Rivers CIB and in 2012 she was appointed the Officer in Charge of the North Brisbane CIB South managing major investigations including homicides, armed robberies, sexual offences and property crime.
In 2017, Anne was promoted to commissioned rank as Detective Inspector, Mount Isa District. She was the first female Inspector appointed to Mount Isa District.
In 2020, she transferred to Bundaberg as the Bundaberg Patrol Group Inspector covering Eidsvold, Mount Perry, Monto, Gin Gin, South Kolan, Childers, Bargara and Bundaberg
Anne draws on her strong values, leadership and teambuilding skills, acquired throughout her life, to manage this geographically challenging policing environment.
She has been formally recognised through presentation of a Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal – Investigations, for her service to the QPS.
Anne continues to be an advocate for serving police and youth pursuing sporting excellence.
She is a current board member of the Play for a Cure Foundation raising money for cancer research.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Peta Jamieson
Growing up in the Wide Bay as part of a well-known farming family, Peta, after gaining extensive experience in Queensland State Government, Brisbane City Council, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), and consultancies, returned to Bundaberg with her young family with a desire to give back to the community for the future.
During her early years, Peta completed bachelor and postgraduate qualifications and is a Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Peta is a strong advocate for the Bundaberg and Wide Bay Burnett region delivering a range of economic development, leadership and advocacy services for the public and private sectors.
Peta has also featured in a number of local campaigns to encourage businesses and professionals to move to Bundaberg.
In 2016, Peta was appointed Chair of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board and is the longest serving, having been appointed by three different Health Ministers.
Peta is also a Director for the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and a member of its Governance and People Committee and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Peta has also been a Director of the YMCA and a local arts organisation, and is on the Wide Bay Burnett LifeFlight Advisory Committee.
In her spare time, Peta enjoys working on her family’s farm and enjoying all there is on offer in the Bundaberg region with her family and friends.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service CEO Deborah Carroll
Deborah has worked in the public health sector for more than 40 years and has held leadership roles across several health facilities throughout Queensland.
She has undertaken significant postgraduate studies, including a Master of Health Administration and Information Systems, and a Graduate Certificate in Health Service Planning.
Deborah completed her general nurse training in 1981 at Mackay Base Hospital, and later gained a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) with Distinction from Central Queensland University in 1995, a Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing and endorsement as a Rural and Isolated Practice registered nurse.
Deborah held several senior positions in north and central Queensland health services, in which she oversaw the introduction of new models of care and clinical governance advances, and the successful completion of several large capital works projects.
Deborah joined WBHHS in 2006 as Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services.
She was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2014, and appointed Chief Executive in May 2020.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys trying to relax on the weekends including playing golf and catching up with her children and grandchildren when able, who live elsewhere in Queensland.
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid
Katherine Reid has lead the operations of Bundaberg Tourism, the lead destination marketing and management organisation for the Bundaberg region, since October 2015.
A passionate advocate for collaborative partnerships across sectors to build a connected Team Bundaberg.
Since being in the region Katherine has curated a vibrant, hardworking team that supports the tourism industry, delivers visitor services and markets the destination to key target markets.
The focus for Katherine has been to not only develop a future-focused, sustainable tourism industry in the Bundaberg region, but also how the visitor economy can nurture and support the broader community for long-term benefits.
She also represents the QLD Regional tourism network as a Director on the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Board.
Bundaberg Regional Council Councillor May Mitchell
Representing Division 9 and holding the Health, Compliance and Enforcement portfolio, May Mitchell has lived in Bundaberg since 1994.
May’s extensive Local Government experience commenced in 1982 including, up until her recent election, as a senior revenue officer at Bundaberg Regional Council.
As an elected member, her goal is to serve the entire community as a proactive representative with a passion to improve the lifestyle and liveability of the Bundaberg Region.
Cycling and outdoor fitness are some of May’s leisure pursuits and, in addition to having previously held a number of positions with local community organisations, she regularly volunteers her time at the Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre supporting the Literacy Matters classes.
Bundaberg Regional Council Councillor Tanya McLoughlin
Tanya McLoughlin is a first term Bundaberg Regional Councillor for Division 6, who currently holds the Waste and Recycling Portfolio.
She is also the past president of Zonta Club of Bundaberg.
Prior to serving on council, Tanya was a small business owner and an active community member, volunteering in various organisations.
The most remarkable part of Tanya’s story is how she first moved to Burnett Heads 15 years ago as a single mother with little more than a suitcase.
Tanya has achieved what she has through hard work, a positive approach and willingness to help the community.
She hopes her story can inspire others to give back to their community and pursue their goals in life.
Bundaberg Regional Council Councillor Tracey McPhee
Tracey is well-known as the owner operator of local award-winning cafe, Alowishus Delicious.
She has lived in Bundaberg all her life and is now, with her husband Michael, raising her family here.
Through a strong belief in the future of the Bundaberg Region and the value of small business, both as a community service and as a vehicle for job creation, Alowishus has expanded to four locations in recent years.
This expansion has resulted in recognition, including Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Country Wide Business of the Year and Australia Day Community Spirit Award.
Tracey has built her reputation on hard work, leadership and community focus. As a passionate community minded business woman, Tracey has been involved in employment programs, high school mentoring and buy local campaign #lovebundy and in her personal time she serves on the St Joseph’s Catholic primary school board and volunteers her time at local organisations and charities.
As a councillor Tracey aims to represent the Bundaberg Region and Division 4 by focusing on prosperity for both business and residents.
She has a special interest in reducing youth unemployment by fostering relationships between students and industry, providing career pathways and increasing employability of students on graduation.
Inspired by her late father, Steve Ward, who was awarded a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship for his dedication to community service, Tracey proudly carries the family commitment to the local community.
Teena Mammino
The Founder of Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream (with her late grandmother’s ice cream recipe) Teena Mammino also was the co-owner of Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream.
Having built the business from an idea she sold it after 21 years, in late 2017, after her husband Anthony passed away.
She has since retired and volunteers her time to her director’s role, but that’s not all.
She is Chairman of Childers Chamber of Commerce & Deputy Chair of Bundaberg Tourism, and on the Childers Hospital Auxiliary board.
Teena has also been a Qualified Justice of the Peace for more than 30 years.
Her biggest pride and joy are her three children and six grandchildren.
Teena’s passion is mentoring small business and culinary tourism.
She said by volunteering her time she was able to pass on skills she acquired over her many years in business while building the iconic brand of Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream.
Chern’ee Sutton
Chern’ee Sutton is a proud Kalkadoon woman and Aboriginal artist originally from Mount Isa who is passionate about her culture and history and wants to share that with the rest of the world through her art.
Her unique style combines two worlds of traditional Aboriginal heritage with a modern contemporary twist which has caught the eyes of collectors around the world, including Royalty and on the 2018 Commonwealth Games mascot Borobi.
Chern’ee has her artwork hanging in The Royal Collection in Buckingham Palace, Queensland Parliament House, Queensland State Library and has exhibited her artworks in London, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Sydney.
Chern’ee’s artworks have been commissioned by The Queensland Government, Tennis Australia, The National Rugby League, The Royal Australian Mint, Dreamworld Theme Park, The 2018 Commonwealth Games, Rainforestation, The Australian Defence Force, Northrop Grumman, The Australian Department of Veteran Affairs and The Australian Public Service Commission to name a few.
Due to Chern’ee’s passion for reconciliation and equality she has received numerous accolades including National NAIDOC Youth of The Year, Australia Day Awards for 2013 and 2014, Queensland Pride of Australia Award, Local NAIDOC Awards including Artist of the Year and has been an Australia Day Ambassador for the past 6 years.
Chern’ee has designed the NRL’s Indigenous All Stars Jerseys for four years the most recent being 2021 and has just launched a new circulating and uncirculated Indigenous Military Service $2 coin which she designed and features her artwork in partnership with The Australian Defence Force and The Royal Australian Mint.
Edwina Rowan
Edwina Rowan volunteers her time to and is the President of the Edon Place Domestic and Family Violence Centre in Bundaberg, having also been a board member for a number of years.
Edon Place provides services to families and individuals who have been affected by domestic and family violence with short-term crisis accommodation and support, crisis counselling, emergency relief assistance, court assistance, community training and education, outreach service, parenting programs, children’s support and safety upgrades program.
Edwina is a strong advocate for the Men’s Behavioural Change Program, which commenced operation by Edon Place in the Bundaberg region in 2018.
In 2018 she was awarded the Queensland Police Community service Award for her work with Edon Place.
Bundaberg Police Inspector Pat Swindells highlighted the great work undertaken by the service, including providing court support for men and women experiencing violence.
In 2019 Edwina was awarded the Queensland Law Society Agnes McWhinney Award for her outstanding contribution to the legal profession and the community.
Edwina is a partner of Charltons lawyers and primarily practises in the areas of criminal law, domestic violence, family law matters and traffic matters.
Carly Clark
Carly Clark and her husband own Splitters Farm, 160 acre (24ha) property located in Sharon, 10 minutes north of Bundaberg.
In four short years Carly’s vision of turning a dump into an animal sanctuary has come to fruition and, through hard work and determination, is now home to nearly 400 rescue animals and counting.
During the first wave of Covid lockdowns in March 2020, Carly put Bundaberg on everyone’s bucket list by taking the farm tours online through daily Facebook Live events engaging a homeschooling audience of mum’s and dads across the nation.
Off the back of Covid, Splitters Farm is now a thriving agribusiness, farm stay and tranquil bush retreat that is home to native Australian wildlife including platypus and over 150 species of birdlife.
Known first for her love of animals, Carly also has 22 years marketing experience with a diverse career background in radio, tourism, and events. Prior to relocating to Bundaberg nearly a decade ago, Carly was based in Sydney as the Marketing and Live Events Manager for Australia’s most successful export, The Wiggles.
Carly’s passion has created a unique rural camping and farm stay destination that is a fantastic location to use as a base to explore the Bundaberg region and Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Shelley Strachan
Editor Shelley Strachan recently became News Corp’s Wide Bay Editor, overseeing news teams and setting the news agenda in Gympie, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.
As editor of The Gympie Times for the past five years, she oversaw its successful migration to digital and its continued growth in terms of audience, subscriptions and reach, with 36,000 people reading The Gympie Times online each week and more than 23,500 followers on Facebook, and is focused now on her goal of increasing and improving the local news coverage by The Gympie Times, Bundaberg News Mail and Fraser Coast Chronicle in their communities.
A mother of four and passionate advocate for her home patch, Shelley has earned multiple PANPA Community News Brand of the Year awards, and the coveted News Corp Achievements in Regional Journalism award.
Suellen Cusack-Greensill
“Wife, mother, friend but a musician at heart”.
Well-known Bundaberg performer and identity, Suellen Cusack-Greensill has an impressive musical career and voice to match.
While having performed on Broadway, at the Opera House and other global venues, this ABC recording artist, the Moncrieff – Home of Gladys and Donald Smith – is a second home for Ms Cusack-Greensill.
She has a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and was previously a director of the board at Creative Regions.
Ms Cusack-Greensill was also the Recipient of the Australia Day Cultural Award.
She performs locally to help fundraise for charities, churches and other community organisations and enjoys creating professional shows that support and create income for other local people within the arts including lighting, sounds, stage crew, venues, and catering.
You can watch her on stage at the Caledonian Pipe Band at the Moncrieff Theatre in October, and Merry and Bright presented by Bundaberg Regional Council at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens in December.
Brooke Fossey
Brooke Fossey is the Executive Manager of Regional Business HQ, commencing in November 2020 after moving to the region a year ago.
Brooke is passionate about supporting and promoting the local business community and represents Queensland on the Business Enterprise Centres of Australia Board.
She’s also active in her children’s school and Moore Park Beach nippers.
Sue Tasker
Sue Tasker was one of the founders of Angels Community Group in 2015 after losing a loved one in a car accident and being made redundant from her job of nearly 20 years.
“Myself and a friend decided to start Angels to make a difference in peoples lives,” she said.
“ We could never imagine it growing to where it is now.
“I have been lucky to have the support of my three children and a group of wonderful people around me who has seen us through some rough times.
“However, every time we give someone a bit of a helping hand with food, clothes or furniture the struggles have definitely been worth it.”
Cheryl Barrett
Cheryl Barrett was appointed CEO of Southern Cross Support Services in 2017; her leadership has seen the organisation grow to 1150 employees delivering services nationally and receiving several regional awards.
Ms Barrett feels privileged to be leading an organisation that has such an inspiring mission – to create a sense of purpose, belonging and security.
With a passion to support her community and a background in housing and homelessness she joined the Board of Directors of Regional Housing Limited in 2016.
Having extensive experience as an executive leader, business owner and Councillor, Cheryl now focuses on coaching future leaders as a Chartered Manager and Fellow of IML.
Tanya O’Shea
Currently the Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, during her 20-year tenure Tanya O’Shea has challenged the status quo, advocated for her region’s most vulnerable and has not been afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done when the going got tough (especially when IMPACT went underwater during the 2013 floods; Tanya was the first on the scene and instantly went into survival mode to have the organisation back up and running within a 24 hour period).
Dedicated to improving lives by providing support, training and employment opportunities, under Tanya’s leadership, IMPACT has also developed and grown two social enterprises – established to be mutually beneficial by creating jobs and injecting significant value back into the local economy.
She has also created empowered teams who have innovation in their DNA, designing and deploying a broad spectrum of programs to bolster the region’s health and disability service offerings.
Holding numerous past and present director and committee positions across the Wide Bay/Burnett region – from The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg, through to the Institute of Managers and Leaders Advisory Committee, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Shalom College Board, the Regional Development Australia WBB committee, and the CQU Postgraduate Reference Committee, Tanya demonstrates on a daily basis her ongoing commitment to the social, economic and community sector.
Ainsley Gatley
Ainsley Gatley started her business Event Networx 14 years ago and it has grown from strength to strength each year.
Her vision was to have a business that allowed her to combine family and work life and to allow her the flexibility to enjoy both worlds.
Over the years she has been involved with numerous community events from the Wide Bay Australia International Air S\how, Ring Road Run and Crush Festival to more recent events such as Agrotrend, Ability Ball, Business Excellence Awards and conferences.
Ainsley is passionate about the Bundaberg Region and the community and loves to be able to help where she can.
She has a professional approach but has an ability to adapt to suit the organisations and businesses that she works for.
Her commitment to local and bringing benefits to the region is why she loves events.
Kym McIntosh
A mum, wife, company owner and now working for Queensland Rugby League in Wide Bay, Kym McIntosh has been a eagerly involved in the local league scene.
“I’ve been a volunteer in Community Rugby League Football for 10 years,” she said.
“I love the game, but I love what the game of Rugby League delivers and stands for – volunteers, players, family, friends, community.”
She works hard to promote the game by thinking outside the box, reviewing how volunteers and programs work and encourages other volunteers and football-lovers to be a part of the game in whatever capacity they can offer.
“Footy gave me something when I really needed it – a place to be, to belong, with a sense of purpose and pride,” she said.
“It changed my life for the better.”
Kym played a key role in introducing women’s league tag to the Northern Districts Rugby League competition and is currently working on a Wide Bay Female Participation proposal with a group of people in the Wide Bay leagues that want to see female game – both league tag and rugby league – for juniors and seniors prosper in the region.
Claire Finter
Claire first started working as an optometrist in Bundaberg in 2009 and has spent the past 7 years working alongside ophthalmologist, Dr Jai Panchapakesan.
Her role as a clinical optometrist is to provide expert eye care for all of their patients.
“I care for our patients pre and post operatively as well as managing chronic ocular disease and providing emergency care for urgent patients,” she said.
“ I love my work as it gives me an opportunity daily to help and care for others.
“I honestly believe if you can make a difference in the life of even one person each day you are taking a step in creating a world of good.”
She is studying to attain her private pilot’s licence with the goal of providing further eye care to more remote and regional communities.
And she is no stranger to the spotlight having been involved in music within the community both at the Anglican Church, Bundaberg Sinfonietta and Playhouse Theatre; where she was cast as Mary Poppins and Glinda in Wicked.
Claire shares a passion for sport, particularly competing in swimming and touch football events
She said one of her biggest achievements was swimming from Great Keppel to Yeppoon (her hometown) raising over $20,000 for research into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Zoe Young
After relocating from Western Australia in 2015, Zoe is still in awe of the amazing produce grown in the Bundaberg region, and loves showcasing local flavours in her award-winning brews.
Along with her partner, Zoe owns and runs Ohana Winery and Cheeky Tiki Cider in Bundaberg East, producing roughly 60,000 litres of hand crafted apple cider every year and is one of the states largest craft cider producers.
Zoe’s is incredibly passionate about and proud of what she creates, and loves sharing that with visitors to the cider house.
Sasha Job
Sasha Job is a physiotherapist with over 12 years clinical experience, currently working as a lecturer at CQUniversity.
Sasha has been recognised for her commitment to her students and our community, and has received a number of rewards acknowledging her outstanding contributions to learning and teaching as well as social innovation.
She has a special interest in physical activity and accessibility, which has inspired her research higher degree thesis “Universal Beach Accessibility Hub (U‐BEACH): A pathway to increase physical activity participation, health, and wellbeing for people with disability”.
As part of this project, Sasha has advocated to secure a commitment to improved beach access for people with disability throughout our region, and Australia.
Sasha is also a proud mum of two boys and frequently volunteers throughout Bundaberg at community and sporting events, schools and community organisations.
Trish Mears
Trish is Community Engagement Adviser at Bundaberg Regional Council and sits on a number of boards and committees, including being Co-Chair of the Bundaberg Relay for Life committee, President of Moore Park Beach Arts Inc and Secretary of the Playhouse Theatre.
Trish’s career has been in communications, marketing and management, having been the long-time manager of both local radio station networks in Bundaberg, as well as setting up the Communications Department at Bundaberg Regional Council in 2008.
She also assists many and varied organisations with fundraising and being the Master of Ceremony for events.
Trish has been a celebrant for eight years, officiating at weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies and funerals around the region.
Leanne Baker
Leanne Baker offers online organisation courses and planners to help reduce the overwhelm and to create space for what matters most.
She works alongside a number of organisations to support domestic violence survivors and foster children amongst others.
To date over $70,000 has been donated to help those in need.
Her community consists of people in varying seasons of life and that’s exactly what makes it extra special. Come as you are and take the next best small step in the right direction.
Cynthia Hoogstraten
Celebrating life, learning and giving back to the community is Cynthia Hoogstraten’s philosophy.
“Whether it is through teaching drumming to promote social engagement or sand art and labyrinths for well-being, I am always finding ways to make the most out of each day and connecting with people,” she said.
“As a marriage celebrant, I am keen to guide couples in creating meaningful memories and assisting families with funerals and memorials. Studying dementia has also opened doors to helping others on that difficult journey.
“I have updated my JP qualifications, and I am looking forward to being of assistance.”
Sharyn Banks
Sharyn Banks is the founder of Red Collar Rescue and has created a team of people devoting their time to ensuring the safety of the regions unwanted dogs.
Red Collar Rescue Inc was established in 2009 and became a registered organisation in late 2010 with the primary aim of providing temporary refuge and eventually new homes for abandoned, abused, unwanted and death row dogs.
“Since 2009-10 we have been able to re-home over 3200 dogs that would have otherwise been euthanised,” the site reads.
“As we live onsite, we are available seven days a week by appointment, 365 days a year to talk to prospective adopters and welcome visitors.
“We endeavour to spend as much time as possible with our dogs, this allows us to get a better idea of their nature and how they interact with other animals and each other.”
Nicole Panuccio
After stepping away from her role as a nurse unit manager and into private practice Nicole Panuccio said as a registered nurse her mission was “to create a symmetry of health and beauty from the inside out, and inspire others to do the same”.
“The way I do this is through various cosmetic injectable treatments and intravenous vitamin therapy,” she said.
“From Wednesday to Saturday I am the Cosmetic Nurse Injector at SILK Laser Clinics where we provide an array of cosmetic injectables, laser hair removal, skin treatments and skin care products.
“Every Tuesday I dedicate the day to delivering intravenous vitamin therapy for IV Drip Co, located within Bargara Beach Holistic Health Centre.
“I also do after hours and home visits for those who can’t make it down to the clinic.”
Nicole said she’s grateful to work along side an extensive network of GP’s, surgeons, nurse’s, nurse practitioners, naturopaths, and life coaches.
“I have completed my graduate diploma in Cosmetic Nursing and am also a Neurolimbic Conditioning Coach, treating my patients from a more holistic point of view helps me understand their needs at a deeper level and when refer patients on those within my network where needed,” she said.
Merissa Craft
A local businesswoman and heart of Childers’ Paragon Theatre, Merissa Craft purchased the theatre from her grandparents and began restoration efforts in 2007.
The theatre, which is a 1920s, state heritage listed entertainment and vintage cinema, was reopened in 2014 as a cinema and entertainment venue and has since added an espresso bar to its repertoire.
Tracy Olive
A woman from two different worlds, Tracy’s day job has her running a mechanic’s shop and driving a Supercharged deep ocean blue Mustang.
“I always surprise people with this statement when I am all dressed up in my scuba gear,” she said.
But her love is in the sea.
“I am also a self taught underwater photographer driven to protect what I love by sharing all the magnificent creatures of the sea,” she said.
“I balance the two different worlds in my day to day life and always up for a chat about cars or turtles.”
To see some of Tracy’s work, visit her Instagram account @tracyolive
Bree Grima
With over five and a half years’ experience of Executive leadership with BFVG and ten years in the Not-for-Profit sector Bree Grima brings strong industry connections to her role as Managing Director and Chief Advocate for the horticulture industry in the Wide Bay Burnett.
Born in Bundaberg and the youngest of six children in a local farming family Bree understands firsthand the value of hard work and resilience.
Driven in her work ethic by the Cooperative values of passion, leadership, accountability, transparency, and respect Bree is honoured to work with a diverse and passionate team of Directors and staff.
With a Bachelor of Science (hons), Bachelor of Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Photography Bree is committed to higher education and strives to deliver the best version of herself every day.
Bree believes healthy minds and bodies build productive workplaces and has previously competed as a professional bodybuilder.
The ability to focus and plan which her sport has taught her has translated to a work ethic that allows her to multitask, lead a dynamic team and create effective change for industry.
Bree holds representative positions with the Queensland Horticulture Council, Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett, Regional Business HQ, SunWater Irrigators Advisory Committee and the Coastal Burnett Groundwater Management Advisory Committee and connects regularly with Regional Councils and Local, State and Federal Members of Government on issues relevant to Agribusinesses in the Region.
Emma Zielke
Bundaberg’s Emma Zielke has not only been influential locally but a figurehead sport, particular AFL.
She was the first captain of the Brisbane Lions AFLW team, and their AFLW Premiership Captain and among a myriad of other awards, she will remain a major part of the sports future as the QAFLW Best and Fairest Award has been named the Emma Zielke Medal.
Rachael Sarra
Rachael Sarra is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer and businesswoman.
“As a contemporary mixed raced, First Nations artist from Goreng Goreng Country, Rachael uses art as a powerful tool and outlet to explore themes she often grapples with while her work is often the resolution of such themes and conflict within herself,” her website reads.
“Rachael’s work often challenges and explores the themes of societies perception of what Aboriginal art and identity is.
“Rachael graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design from the Queensland College of Art in Brisbane and is a dynamic creative with the ability to challenge narratives that are often in place to perpetuate colonial harm.”
Earlier this year the NewsMail reported on how Rachael had teamed up with Matrix to deliver a limited edition hair care range.
Rachael has worked with a multitude of clients both nationally and internationally including Tourism Australia, Kmart, Matrix, Lush Australia and UK, The Mills Foundation and Australia Post.
Lorraine Pyefinch
Lorraine is a co-founder and director of Best Practice Software, according to the company’s website, she “guides strategic and operational decision making, ensuring our team meets regulatory and statutory obligations, whilst fostering key business and government relationships”.
“Her esteemed career includes successes as a registered nurse, business founder, councillor and regional mayor,” it reads.
Best Practice Software is a leader in the development, marketing and support of quality medical software products for Australasian medical practice.
Tracey Sergiacomi
Having just passed an incredible milestone of 10 years on-air, Hitz939’s top rated breakfast show announcer, Tracey Sergiacomi, has been a tireless and dedicated advocate for the Bundaberg community.
Her continuous efforts to engage with the many day to day issues that face the people of Bundaberg, and her ability to help make people smile each morning, Trace, as her many fans call her, is one of the best ambassadors Bundaberg could ever ask for.
Whether it is driving charitable initiatives like Hitz Helping Hands, acting as Quiz Master at the annual Battle of the Schools events, or supporting the various needs of those in our community, Trace has secured her place as a true local icon and cheerleader of all things Bundaberg.
Rev Jennifer Lynn
A reverend at Bargara and Burnett Heads Uniting Church, Jennifer Lynn said her role as a minister here was quite community focused.
“I founded SurfChurch Bargara, a short monthly church service on Nielson Beach which is focused towards people coming along to a casual, “out in nature”, contemporary service,” she said.
“From SurfChurch I founded SurfChurch Stoked – a free community based program for children aged 5-12 years, which offers free surfing lessons, environmental interaction, awareness and sustainability, and which encourages community thinking and positive living.
“Stoked boasts many community volunteers from within the local surfing fraternity.”
She has plans to offer the Stoked program more broadly, to sectors such as remote and rural communities; women’s support groups; and groups which support women and children in crisis.
This dream is on the fast-track since Stoked received a grant earlier this year from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
She has alsorecently accepted the position of the volunteer Chaplain for The Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and conducts paddle-out services focused upon various life events, such as ashes scattering; and celebrations.
“I do not charge a fee as I view this as part of being a part of the community,” she said.
“I also work with our local Labyrinth ladies when possible, offering labyrinth walks and blessings at the community labyrinth we installed at the church, as well as public labyrinths,” she said.
“And in general I support on a very regular level, a large number of people within our local community through counselling, mentoring and general well-being support.
“I enjoy working with local business owners and community groups where possible to form a strong network of friendship and support as I believe this is imperative for a healthy vibrant community.”
Annie Attard
Currently a Director on the board of Canegrowers, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable and Bundaberg Sugar Services, Annie Attard is dedicated to the agricultural sector.
She is also involved in Women in Sugar as Vice President.
And that’s not all.
Annie is a mother of five children, she has two grandchildren and she’s an active member of Across the Waves Softball Club as a player and assistant coach.
Tanya Howard
Dedicated to supporting the interests of local farmers Tanya Howard is the Bundaberg Canegrowers executive officer.
In the past, Tanya has been outspoken about matters like reef science behind political decisions.
Canegrowers mission is to provide representation, leadership and services and promote unity in the interest of growers.
Janelle Gerry
Ms Gerry is a businesswoman with growing success in the region’s tourism and agricultural industry.
As outlined on the Macadamias Australia website, Janelle supports the establishment of the family and business governance framework, to develop the next generation of Steinhardt business leaders.
“As Director of Corporate Services, Janelle oversees finance, legal, human resources and compliance and is passionate about community and industry,” it reads.
“Janelle’s husband, Andrew, and their son, Luke, manage FarmFresh Fine Foods, a vegetable processing plant.”
Eleesha Quinn
Interior enthusiast and mum of three, Eleesha Quinn is the founder and content creator for @the.quinn.girls, a locally grown Instagram business known for showcasing the latest in fashion, home styling, lifestyle and travel, while sharing the highs and lows of motherhood.
She has graced the cover of Mama Disrupt Magazine, featured in national television and news articles and travelled the world with her family in partnership with some iconic global brands.
Eleesha has designed and launched a range of furniture, journals and clothing in collaboration with some of her favourite brands but insists her biggest accomplishment is connecting, celebrating, inspiring and being inspired by her community.
The Quinn Girls’ page has 209K followers.
You can read more about her rise on social media and the photo that changed her life.
Candice Tanna
Mother of four and content creator Candice, has amassed a large social media following with 98.8k followers.
The NewsMail reported earlier this year the Bundaberg’s Tanna family had been hard at work testing toys in the lead up to the Big W Toy Mania sale.
‘Bye Bye Labor’: Premier under fire after exit poll bombshell
Voters have come out swinging for Labor after an exit poll showed the LNP is set to romp home in the Queensland election, but many others are warning it may not be a done deal just yet.
‘See ya’, ‘not before time’: Readers fire up over exit poll bombshell
Readers have come out swinging at individuals as they celebrate a Courier-Mail exit poll that shows the LNP is set to romp home in the Queensland election, but many others are warning it may not be a done deal just yet.