Bundaberg’s top 20 most influential leaders revealed: Have your say
The search for Bundaberg's most influential person has begun, with health executives, conservationists and grassroots champions all finalists for the prestigious title. VOTE HERE
What defines true influence in the Bundaberg region?
Is it shaping policy from high office, driving our economy through business, or the quiet, daily dedication of selfless community service?
The Bundaberg NewsMail is proud to launch our 2025 Most Influential People poll, spotlighting 20 leaders who shape our community in ways both seen and unseen.
We want to celebrate these individuals because they represent the dynamic, proactive spirit of our region.
They are the entrepreneurs, the health leaders, the political advocates, and the grassroots champions who protect our environment, support those in need, and create local jobs.
They don’t just reside in Bundaberg; they are actively building its future and strengthening its foundations.
This list includes mayors, CEOs, health executives, dedicated volunteers, and conservationists.
Now, we hand the final decision to you.
Read their nominations and cast your vote in the poll below for the person you believe should be crowned Bundaberg’s Most Influential Person of 2025.
Vote below:
Below are the nominees and why they’ve been nominated.
Helen Blackburn: Apart from being Mayor of the Bundaberg region, she is an active member of her community, having served on management committees of community-based and charity organisations such as the Rotary.
Glenn Rumsey: Denise St John-Briggs said Glenn “cleans up our community off his own back (...) He has been known to help homeless people in the region by way of donations of tents and blankets.”
Kay Palmer Challinor nominated him for “cleaning up our community and riverways and informing people to beware of used drug syringes discarded in our community and trying to clean them up in this drug pandemic.”
Capri Young said he’s “been servicing his community for free for years” and “deserves to be recognised for it.”
Patricia Brown said “he’s not given enough credit or appreciation.”
Kim Kerr said “Bundy is lucky to have him.”
Debbie Carroll: Debbie Carroll has worked in the public health sector for over 40 years is the health service chief executive of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
Besides providing care for the community she has also overseen the construction of the new Bundaberg Hospital.
Brent Illingworth: Jake Simmons nominated Brent for his “continuous support of the Bundaberg community and for the incredible effort he puts in to look after his work team.”
“Fantastic role model for the community,” he said.
Kellie Chanoff said “the support he gives to so many sporting clubs across the region is phenomenal.”
John McLean: John McLean is the CEO of family-run business Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, the largest Australian-owned soft drink company and major employer and tourist attraction in the Bundaberg region.
Joey Caruana: Owning The Windmill Cafe at Bargara, the Garden Mill and the Beach Mill Joey is a familiar face in the community.
Ashleigh Crombie said “he is a director of Bundaberg Tourism, vice president of Bargara football club and just a great supporter of the Bundaberg community.”
The Strategic Business Co Facebook page agreed with Ashleigh saying, “Joey is very well deserved for everything he does for the Bundaberg community.”
Bill Moorhead: Grant Davies said Bill was citizen of the year this year.
“He has done a lot for this community, a lot that people don’t actually see.”
Dave Facer: Lisa Marie nominated Dave from Brave Brothers, a local charity focused on supporting men’s mental health, “amazing people,” she said.
Kim Bracken nominated him for being an “amazing, caring and supportive man with a great team player.”
Matt Gees said “Dave Facer and his Brave Brothers- he’s everywhere!!!”
Tom Smith: Tom Smith is the Labor Member for Bundaberg and has been fighting for the regions healthcare, roads, infrastructure and education facilities in the region for the last five years.
Most recently, he delivered a speech in Parliament slamming the Crisafulli LNP government and housing minister for failing to deliver on the housing and homelessness crisis across the state.
Zak Jeffery: Kurt de Silva said said “Zak Jeffery at Growth Gyms Avoca gets behind absolutely everything in the community.”
“His gym provides such genuine support to people from all walks of life and has made positive changes to numerous lives.”
Ben Crean nominated Zak for the lengths he goes to to help others.
“I have seen the many selfless acts he has done,” he said.
“He deserves a highlight because I know it will see many others lives improved.”
Both Melanie Law and Elizabeth Priebe also put Zak’s name forward for the title.
David Batt: David Batt is the Federal Member for Hinkler and is “Bundaberg born and bred.”
Formerly a police officer, Mr Batt now focuses his time on reducing the cost of living taking care of veterans and improving aged care across the region.
Luke Johnston: Kate Parchen nominated Luke because he’s “always striving for a better Bundaberg” and said he’s a “businessman and believer that we can do/be better by encouraging it.”
Kylie Walters, “agree,” and Mellissa Grimison, “I second that,” shared Kate’s views.
Michael Taylor also nominated Luke saying, “no doubt will make Bundaberg better than what it is.”
Peta Jamieson: Ms Jamieson is on the Chair of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service board and has over 20 years experience in the health sector.
Since joining the chair, Ms Jamieson has promoted the interests of patients throughout the Bundaberg and Wide Bay region.
Harley Cosmo: Ayden Walker nominated Harley Cosmo, a “bloke who runs Tradie Vault and constantly gives to tradies in need.”
Kian Young nominated the Tradie Vault, “legends hooked me up with a fresh kit of Milwaukee tools. Love their work!!!”
Sandie Green said she “was honoured to chat with Harley Cosmo about the amazing story behind the Tradie Vault and the effort these guys put in to support the apprentices and tradies.”
Bree Watson: Bree Watson is the CEO at Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetables Growers.
BFVG represents horticultural growers in the Wide Bay Burnett region and is involved in activities such as improving on-farm practices, supporting industry development and bolstering the local horticulture industry.
Andrew and Julie Gifford: Sonya Olsen nominated this dynamic duo for “what they do for our community through Rotary, All Abilities Rugby League, Next Level Youth Jam, ATW and much, much more.”
Matt Gee said the pairs incredibly generous, “our scout group has especially benefited from Julie’s time.”
The Steinhardt family: The Steinhardt family have been growing pumpkin, tomatoes and zucchinis in Bundaberg for nearly seven decades.
In 2002 the family established Macadamias Australia which has since become Australia’s leading producer in macadamia nuts, providing employment opportunities across the region.
Rose Fraser: DNA Aqua Aerobics nominated Rose for her work Quota Club Bundaberg, fitness classes and charitable work.
They said Rose is an example of compassion, vitality and leadership in the community, hosting classes for older adults to engage in exercise.
“Her tireless commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and community connection makes her truly deserving of being the most influential person in Bundaberg,” the nomination reads.
“Rose contributes through fundraising and charitable efforts, including Australia Day fundraising classes that donate 100% of proceeds to local charities.”
Dr Col Limpus: Dr Colin ‘Col’ Limpus is the founder of Mon Repos Turtle Centre and is a world expert in turtle research and conservation, dedicating his life’s work to protecting turtle populations on the Queensland coast.
Mon Repos works towards protecting nesting marine turtles though conservation and research programs.
Emma Wormington: Elizabeth Priebe nominated Ms Wormington from ‘More than Milk,’ a local lactation consultant, midwife and business owner whose service based in Bundaberg helps support families with parenting and feeding challenges.
Kate Parchen recommended More than Milk too.
This article has been prepared with the help of AI.
