Chern’ee Sutton, Tom Marland, Sharyn Banks among Bundaberg’s most influential in 2023
From artists to business owners and sports figures, the Bundaberg region has no shortage of influential figures. See who made the list from 30-21.
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Bundaberg is full of people working hard to make a difference in the region, whether it be through advocacy, business, the arts or sport.
The city’s future is being shaped by its people, many of whom dedicate their time and energy to support the region and its community.
While our list could be in the hundreds, we’ve narrowed it down to 30 notable influential people as we roll into 2023.
Here we count down from 30 to 21 in the first of three instalments of the 30 most powerful and influential people in our community.
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Keep an eye out for our next list of Bundaberg’s 30 most influential on Tuesday.
30. Attila Kovacs
Bundaberg boxer and coach Attila Kovacs has trained national and international champions, all from his gym in Bundaberg.
Those champions include his own sons Denis and Philip as well as big names such as Shannan Davey.
Kovacs even weathered the storm of Covid-19 by introducing state government approved ways to continue training athletes while adhering to social distancing rules.
He has shown no sign of letting up. Last year, he entered the ring at the Pan Pacific Masters Games at the age of 77.
29. Corrie McColl
Corrie McColl has been working for the Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre for almost five years as its manager, and in that time has supported tens of thousands of struggling residents.
The centre serves as a community hub and connection base for those struggling with homelessness to domestic violence and even reading difficulties.
Mr McColl spends much of his time managing the day-to-day requirements of such a far reaching facility and working on community benefit activities.
More than 6000 people attend the centre on a yearly basis, which is currently in the middle of expanding to offer a broader range of services.
28. Kerry Blackman
Bundaberg‘s Gidarjil managing director Dr Kerry Blackman is a traditional owner and descendant of the Gurang and Gooreng Gooreng peoples.
In his role, Dr Blackman has been actively involved in securing the Land and Sea Ranger Program, Caring for Country and Green Army projects.
Dr Blackman has pushed passionately for a treaty, enabling all Australians to “own our past and history so we can own our future together”.
He believes Australia is an ancient, beautiful country and both black and white Australians need to work together to keep it that way.
His hope is for the government to move forward along with indigenous people.
27. Rowan Bond
During his time as Superintendent of the Bundaberg Police District during the 2013 floods, Rowan Bond developed a unique understanding of the devastation the unprecedented flooding brought to the region.
During the floods he spent weeks organising efforts to save lives and protect the homes of those affected by the water, including issuing the call to evacuate 7000 residents from North Bundaberg.
In 2013, Mr Bond retired from the force, when he was approached by the Bundaberg Regional Council to chair a Community Reference Group under the auspices of the Burnett River Floodplain Management Project.
Since then, Mr Bond has been a key advocate in the flood mitigation and prevention movement, meeting with government representatives to discuss mitigation measures and the safety of the community.
26. Phil and Marlies Oakley
Arts Plus business owners Phil and Marlies Oakley have supported the Bundaberg region‘s creative side since opening their Electra St store in 2010.
The Oakleys organise the annual $20,000 Bundaberg Arts Prize, which offers a whopping $10,000 for the winning entry and $10,000 in smaller prizes.
The annual arts prize has grown to become a major drawcard in the region, with massive opening events as it fosters a creative spirit in the region.
25. Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton
Bundaberg indigenous artists, Kalkadoon women and sisters Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton have already established themselves as internationally recognised household names despite their ages.
Chern’ee began her journey into art at 13, entering and winning her first art competition in 2009, with her younger sister hot on her heels.
Since then, their joint and individual achievements could fill a book from artwork hung in Parliament House and on several popular business marketing materials - including T2 and Nestle - as well as NRL sporting jerseys.
The sisters have also worked on many joint projects, including the artwork that features on Queensland Police vehicles.
24. Martin Barrett
Martin Barrett has been the Auswide Bank chief executive officer since 2013.
Mr Barrett has experience across diverse banking institutions, nationally and internationally, including senior executive roles in retail, commercial, corporate and specialist banking areas.
The company is front and centre on the Queensland Maroons jersey as one of the major sponsors.
In the first half of the 2021 financial year the bank recorded record annualised loan book growth of 13.4 per cent and customer deposits grew by more than 10 per cent.
Mr Barrett has given back to the community in many ways including serving as a volunteer on the board of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Bundaberg Region Rising and Impact Community Services.
23. Sharyn Banks
The Red Collar Rescue founder established a no-kill dog shelter where there wasn’t one in the Bundaberg region and in the process has saved more than 4000 canines.
Her tireless efforts have led to a hardworking organisation of volunteers, annual family fundraising events and a fantastic op shop at North Bundaberg.
The pandemic has put a massive strain on resources, and Red Collar Rescue has called for help with fostering and volunteering.
Ms Banks rarely gets a day off as she strives to offer a loving and humane solution to the heartbreaking number of dogs who find themselves homeless.
What started as saving a few dogs has grown to include a new shelter featuring a memorial garden and bigger kennels.
22. Brent Illingworth
RealWay principal Brent Illingworth says he is proud of having got “to the top of the tree” in Bundaberg’s real estate industry without telling lies or cutting corners.
“It’s been a slow burn but I wouldn’t change it as it’s exploded to life the last five years particularly and now I intend to make the most of it – personally, professionally and of course for my community,” he says.
Mr Illingworth says he’s fortunate to make a good income which he can then use to help give back to the community.
While he’s extremely humble about his giving, he’s well-known as a big-time supporter of causes that make a difference to lives in the region.
Members of the community have stated that whenever a cause is in need, Mr Illingworth is often ready to help.
21. John Mclean
John McLean took over as the chief executive officer of much-loved Queensland company Bundaberg Brewed Drinks in 2007, and has continued to build on the brands strong connection to the region.
Mr Mclean joined the Fleming family business in 1995 and worked his way up the ranks and to the international level, selling the drinks to more than 44 countries.
Famous for its Bundaberg Ginger Beer, the iconic beverage is available on shelves, cafes, bars and restaurants around Australia and the world.
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