POWER 100: Coast’s most powerful people 70-61
The Daily is continuing its Power 100 series, revealing the most influential players in the region. Here, we announce those from 70-61 who made their mark in 2019.
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THE Power 100 countdown continues with day four today, as the Sunshine Coast Daily reveals the most influential people in the region.
Sports stars, councillors and business owners were among those announced in the day one, day two and day three lists.
Here, we reveal those from 70-61 who made their mark in 2019.
70. Les Williams
HAVING your company lose $700,000 to a liquidation on the verge of your retirement would leave many shattered and unable to recover - but not Les Williams.
When the company he partnered, WK Civil, was hit hard in 2013 by the Walton Construction Queensland disaster, Coolum civil contractor Les Williams instead launched the Subcontractors Alliance and a national lobbying campaign that has taken him to every part of the country.
Change has been slow coming, but Queensland's new building industry fairness legislation and the roll out of project bank accounts to better ensure security of payment in the construction industry are just part of what Mr Williams has been able to achieve.
69. Ingrid Jackson
THE Noosa councillor made headlines more than once in 2019 through her public and personal life.
She was a champion of transparency within the council, prompting a decision to live-stream general committee and ordinary meetings for the public's viewing.
Cr Jackson's husband came to her defence in March, claiming his wife had been the victim of "intimidation, disrespect and disparagement" in her three years as a councillor.
At the end of the year, the only female Noosa councillor announced she would not seek re-election, citing "considerable pressure to conform" as her reason for stepping down.
68. Roy Henzell
ROY Henzell has experienced many changes to the real estate industry since he began working as a mail boy for his family's business at 14.
He took over Henzells Agency at 29 and ran the business with his mother Judy until 1990, when he invited Garry Waters to join as partner.
Together, they are currently deep into developing the Marina and Town Centre precinct at Pelican Waters, bringing with it a wealth of new lifestyle, residential, business and investment opportunities.
67. Darryl Johnson
SUPERINTENDENT Johnson began 2019 with a significant honour after being awarded an Australian Police Medal, a national recognition of his distinguished service.
The region's top cop spent much of the year working in Brisbane within a management capacity, but has now returned to the Coast.
Despite White Ribbon being saved from liquidation just one month after announcing it was shutting down, the former Sunshine Coast White Ribbon chair announced in November he would join forces with USC academic Dr Greg Nash to create a new anti-domestic violence initiative in the region.
66. Carmel Crouch
THE STEPS Group founder spent 21 years in the unpaid role of president before taking on the position of managing director in 2009.
Under Ms Crouch's guidance, the not-for-profit organisation continued to provide employment, education and support to those who were disadvantaged as a consequence of physical or mental disability, financial issues and more in 2019.
STEPS Autism Treehouse recorded another successful trek in April, raising about $75,000 for families affected by autism on the Sunshine Coast.
65. Janet Scott
THE Sunshine Coast SES controller was heavily involved in the search for a missing teen that ended in tragedy last year.
Michael Ryan, 14, was last seen in the Landsborough area on August 7, his disappearance sparking a major search mission.
SES volunteers scoured bushland for signs of Michael, with Ms Janet telling the Daily at the time the terrain and slope of the search area was particularly challenging.
Sadly, the teen's body was found in the Dularcha National Park in Mooloolah Valley.
64. Kerry Neill
WITH a strong upbringing in his indigenous culture, the Sunshine Coast Gubbi Gubbi and Kabi Kabi man facilitates cross-cultural communication, dance, and behaviour management programs across Queensland.
As the director of Goombuckar Creations, Mr Neill has been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in community services, health and education for more than a decade.
The Coast-based business also makes its own range of Aboriginal artefacts and didgeridoos, with Mr Neill playing the wind instrument in tours across the country.
63. Mike Clayton
HUMBLE tow truck driver turned prime-time television star, Clayton's Towing owner Mike Clayton and his family have operated their towing empire in the region for almost half a century.
Mr Clayton and his Nambour-based business were back in the spotlight last year as the second season of Towies aired on 7Mate .
A tragic crash which claimed the lives of a Hervey Bay mother and her four young children prompted an act of generosity from Mr Clayton, with Clayton's Towing pledging a considerable donation to the family's GoFundMe page.
62. Narelle McCarthy
THE passionate environmentalist undertakes liaison and advocacy officer roles within the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, the peak environmental advocacy group for the region since 1980.
Ms McCarthy represented the not-for-profit group in the "David and Goliath" court battle at the end of the year, involving the appeal against Sunshine Coast Council's approval for Sekisui House's five-star resort and residential development in Yaroomba.
She also recently penned her objections to council CEO Michael Whittaker against the Badderam Eco Luxe Resort and Spa development in Buderim.
61. Brett de Chastel
THE Noosa Council CEO was the council's corporate services director until its amalgamation with Maroochy and Caloundra councils in 2008.
When Noosa won the right to de-amalgamate from the regional council, Mr de Chastel applied for the top job.
He now heads a team focused on not only providing services and infrastructure to residents, but also ensuring the region retains its appeal.
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