POWER 100: Coast’s most powerful people 40-21

The Sunshine Coast 2018 Power 100 countdown continues today. We’re moving through the middle of the pack, headed towards the business end of this year’s list of Coast elite. Today we count down from 40-21, the movers and shakers of the past 12 months

THE Sunshine Coast 2018 Power 100 countdown continues today.

We’re moving through the middle of the pack, headed towards the business end of this year’s list of Coast elite.

Today we count down from 40-21, the movers and shakers of the past 12 months.

POWER 100: Coast’s most powerful people 60-41

POWER 100: Coast’s most powerful people 80-61

POWER 100: Coast’s most powerful people 100-81

40. BRETT GRAHAM:

The principal of six Ray White offices on the Sunshine Coast, Brett Graham’s real estate network is a significant employer.

It sells on average 70 properties a month and manages nearly 2000 investment properties worth almost $800 million.

A former mayoral candidate, Mr Graham has been a Real Estate Institute Queensland zone chair and vice-president of Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre.

39. GRAEME JUNIPER:

The man who built most of Mooloolaba as we know it, Graeme Juniper remains a highly influential businessman.

In May the developer and Mooloolaba property owner was elected as president of the newly-named Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Juniper has indicated he’d like to work closely with the council in his new role on major Mooloolaba projects which will define the town’s future.

38. SCOTT JUNIPER:

From handing in his bankruptcy forms on his 40th birthday, Scott Juniper’s reversal in fortunes has been incredible.

The head of Cube Developments is now delivering a number of significant projects across the region, including $37 million apartment development ‘Curve’ at Birtinya and $70 million, 64-unit Beach Life Alex project at 118-120 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland.

37. MARK PICO:

Fifteen thousand punters charged through the gates to this year’s Big Pineapple Music Festival, justification of the People’s Choice Award for Best Festival at the Queensland Music Awards accepted by organiser Mark Pico.

The festival has fast become one of the nation’s best and draws music lovers from all parts to the region for a day of fun on the sprawling fields opposite the tourist attraction.

36. EVAN ALDRIDGE:

THE man behind one of the most controversial developments on the Coast, Sekisui House’s Yaroomba Beach, has had a great year.

After a five-year battle he received approval for the billion-dollar, five-star resort from council earlier this year.

The project is set to start construction early next year, depending on the outcome of a community appeal lodged against the approval.

35. SANDY ZUBRINICH:

The Sunshine Coast Business Council chairwoman has continued to advocate for major economic drivers to further the region.

Five-star hotels and strategic investment are among the main pushes from the woman who has led the business council since 2012.

Vastly experienced across public, private and corporate sectors, Ms Zubrinich has reshaped the organisation’s focus.

34. BILL DARBY:

Despite selling his Rumba Beach Resort in July Mr Darby remains a key player in the region’s tourism industry.

The Visit Sunshine Coast director serves on the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Foundation Board and the Sunshine Coast New Events Sub-Committee.

Mr Darby was a member of the council’s Economic Development Taskforce and the Attorney-General’s liquor and gaming red tape reduction panel.

33. NAOMI DWYER:

Replacing Kevin Hegarty as Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service chief executive, Adjunct Associate Professor Naomi Dwyer has taken it all in her stride in 2018.

Juggling the expansion of the new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital and changes to existing health service facilities is no mean feat but the vastly experienced health services manager has kept on top of challenges so far.

32. BEN SIMPSON:

Residents have moved in, shopping centres are being planned and growth continues across a number of major residential development projects overseen by Stockland’s Sunshine Coast regional manager Ben Simpson.

A $33 million shopping centre is set for construction in Caloundra South, an area set to house 50,000 people, while major progress is being made on the Birtinya Shopping Centre.

31. CRAIG MCPHERSON:

The Pacific Motor Group dealer principal continues to support local clubs and charities as a major of sponsor of various groups, while continuing to be a major employer.

With more than 100 staff across 12 sites, the Pacific Motor Group is a major player in the Coast’s automotive industry.

Despite his hectic schedule and vast commitments to community, Mr McPherson remains approachable and friendly.

30. JOHN ROBERTSON:

He may have retired in May after 17 years presiding over cases in Maroochydore as a District Court judge, but John Robertson’s influence within legal circles is as profound as ever.

He chairs the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, which gives him oversight over a wide range of work, including a review of sentencing for child homicide cases, following in-depth analysis of child-related murder and manslaughter convictions.

29. TIM DWYER:

The Deputy Mayor continues to progress major master planning in Caloundra, as well as driving what have been hailed as visionary public art projects which could spread around the Coast.

Cr Dwyer followed his father Des into local government in 2000.

A former professional rugby league player, in his role as Deputy Mayor Cr Dwyer has now taken on leadership positions on a number of significant projects.

28. ANDREW WALLACE:

The former builder turned construction lawyer and barrister has been willing to speak out during his short time as Federal Member for Fisher.

Alongside Fairfax colleague Ted O’Brien Mr Wallace has lobbied for major project funding including Bruce Highway and North Coast Line rail upgrades.

He’s also tackled Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson head-on in a feud over a potential casino in the new Maroochydore CBD.

27. LES WILLIAMS:

The Coolum civil engineer has worked tirelessly for the past five years to improve payment security for construction industry small business.

He’s driven across Australia lobbying politicians, assisting small businesses caught by non-payment and successfully driving change in Queensland Government legislation.

Mr Williams has become the public face of what’s now a national fight to clean up the industry.

26. TED O’BRIEN:

A powerhouse year which resulted in $880 million in the budget for Caloundra to Caboolture Bruce Highway upgrades, $390 million in rail duplication funding and the start of Sunshine Coast Airport expansion gave Ted O’Brien plenty to smile about.

The businessman and Fairfax MP is also pushing for a southeast Queensland fast rail link to begin on the Coast, providing 45-minute trips to Brisbane.

25. JULIAN WILSON:

The pro surfer is one of the best on the circuit and is famous for swimming to the aid of Mick Fanning when he was attacked by a shark.

But this year it’s been his surfing that has earnt all the headlines.

Wins at the Quiksilver Pro in France and on the Gold Coast and a series of other appearances deep in tournaments has Wilson tied for second in the world rankings and in with a chance of a breakthrough world title if he can win and other results go his way at the season-ending Billabong Pipe Masters in Hawaii in December.

The Coolum Beach native also managed to offload his dream Peregian Beach home in a record-breaking, $4 million-plus sale this year, as he looked to spend more time with wife Ashley’s family in Newcastle in his down time from the tour.

24. DAVID RYAN:

Record visitor numbers to the region for both domestic events and traditional holiday periods has highlighted the work of Visit Sunshine Coast.

A vital partnership between Visit Sunshine Coast, Visit Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Airport, which sees $400,000 pooled annually to grow tourism business from the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and New Zealand markets appears to be paying dividends.

Led by David Ryan, Visit Sunshine Coast is now working to expand visitation from Europe, Asia and other destinations, in preparation for an expanded international airport due to be operational in 2020.

Mr Ryan was previously a CEO in the investment banking sector and served on the Virgin Group’s Global Advisory Board.

He has been chairman of Visit Sunshine Coast since late-2016.

23. PETER BOYCE:

The man who helped lead the fight for justice for Bruce and Denise Morcombe after the abduction and murder of their son Daniel remains busy acting in legal matters around the state.

Peter Boyce helped the Morcombes start the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and was involved in the high-profile battle against resumption of properties for the Traveston Dam.

A solicitor since 1977 and principal lawyer and Butler McDermott Lawyers, Mr Boyce was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2013.

He is the current chairman of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club and played a crucial part in the long-term survival of the Sunshine Coast Falcons (formerly Sea Eagles).

Findings of the coronial inquest into Daniel Morcombe’s death are due later this year.

22. GREG NASH:

Doctor Nash is well known for his work in the community and now also at a state level, with his appointment as Queensland State Chair of White Ribbon Australia.

He has been a volunteer, presenter, key speaker and guest of honour at many events and has also provided social commentary on topics ranging from science fiction to parenting through radio and print media.

Dr Nash has presented at community events including TEDxGympie (49,000+ views), The Noosa Longweekend, Sunshine Coast Domestic Violence Symposium (key speaker), Rotary Clubs Sunshine Coast Annual Dinner (key speaker), and “Aggression is the wrong expression” school forums.

He’s also a volunteer for the Disabled Surfers Association.

21. DARRYL JOHNSON:

The region’s top cop, Superintendent Johnson was the former head of the Queensland Security and Counter-Terrorism group.

The former Caloundra schoolboy worked in the region as a detective in the 1990s and returned in 2015 as the man in charge.

He oversees about 500 police officers on the Sunshine Coast and in his spare time enjoys surfboat rowing and cricket.

Increasing population and a spike in violent crimes this year has thrust the work our police do into even greater spotlight and Supt Johnson has been at the forefront of the crime prevention campaign.

Supt Johnson also plays an important role in disaster management and coordination within the region and those services will be relied upon once again as the severe storm season approaches.