POWER 100: The 42 newcomers of 2018
This year's Power 100 saw a significant number of fresh faces make their way onto the list of influential people changing our region.
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THIS year's Power 100 saw a significant number of fresh faces make their way onto the list of influential people changing our region.
We welcomed 42 debutants to the list in 2018, evidence of just how much had changed in the past 12 months.
Here's the full list of newcomers to the Sunshine Coast Daily 2018 Power 100:
9. NOELINE TAURUA
THE Sunshine Coast Lightning head coach added to her stellar reputation in the sport by leading the Lightning to back-to-back Super Netball titles.
The region's first national sporting team backed up a fairytale debut title in 2017 with another epic victory which captured the hearts of the region.
Taurua was pivotal to the success and the Kiwi international coach cemented her status as Coast sporting royalty.
Renowned for her ability to create a winning culture and ability to maintain high standards, Taurua has never baulked at the task of steering a foundation club to such lofty heights.
She's managed to attract some of the world's best talent to the club and, in the process, put the region on the map with netball fans around the world.
10. TRAVIS SCHULTZ
ONE of Queensland's top-ranked compensation lawyers for the third year running, Mr Schultz was drawn back into the legal fray in 2018, opening his boutique firm Travis Schultz Law in Mooloolaba.
Doyle's Guide labelled him one of the pre-eminent plaintiff compensation lawyers in the state: one of only two lawyers to gain pre-eminent status in three plaintiff compensation categories.
Mr Schultz is the Coast's resident wine aficionado and a Queensland Law Society councillor.
He also serves as a board member of the LifeFlight Foundation and serves as deputy chair of the board of Matthew Flinders Anglican College, chairman of the Matthew Flinders Foundation and a Sunshine Coast Turf Club board member.
15. WILL SHRAPNEL
THE HeliMods boss has had a breakout year in 2018, backing up his Sunshine Coast Business of the Year title last year with another massive gong.
Mr Shrapnel's company was named the Telstra Queensland Business of the Year for 2018, just rewards for a man who turned his local helicopter company into one of the world's best.
The company was founded with $5000 on his credit card in 2002.
Mr Shrapnel's company takes helicopters and does all the engineering and most of the manufacturing to turn them into hi-tech emergency medical, search and rescue, or disaster relief machines in Australia and around the world.
The multi-generational local employs 30 people, with a headquarters in Caloundra and a North American presence in Vancouver.
17. CLAYTON WILLIAMS
THE Duporth Tavern owner and experienced publican is a business partner of Mayor Mark Jamieson and is also a prominent investor in new The Sports Hub Sunshine Coast facility at Lake Kawana.
He and fellow investor Shane O'Brien stumped up $13 million towards the project, which is set to run as a not-for-profit, similar to a surf club.
The project has been labelled a game-changer for the region with state-of-the-art sports training and rehab facilities set to establish the Sunshine Coast Stadium precinct as a world-class destination for elite sports teams.
The vice-president of Bokarina-based Brothers Rugby Club has been influential in the gradual growth of the footy club, having worked for almost a decade to establish the organisation.
20. DIMI LIMNATITIS
IF YOU go out on the Sunshine Coast, chances are your night has involved one of Mr Limnatitis' establishments.
The Solbar boss owns a large swathe of Maroochydore's Ocean Street.
The Cypriot is a self-made businessman who built himself up from living in a caravan five years ago to running four venues, driving the Nights on Ocean markets and preparing to deliver a new rooftop bar overlooking the thriving precinct.
Mr Limnatitis is a success story in the entertainment industry and the Ocean Street World Festival drew 50,000 into the area this Easter.
He's currently fighting to better understand plans for entertainment precincts in the region, pushing to have Ocean Street recognised as the region's leading entertainment area.
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 an 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.
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 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 TEDx Gympie (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.
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.
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 murders.
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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
41. KENDALL MORTON
THE director and owner of Homecare Assistance Sunshine Coast was recently awarded Sunshine Coast Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2018.
At 34, the young entrepreneur is making a difference in aged and disability care. Ms Morton works tirelessly with her 55 staff members to ensure HCA SC is steps ahead of its competitors. The company provides in-home care that focuses on the clients' happiness.
42. FERRE DE DEYNE
THE philanthropist has been part of the Sunshine Coast business scene for more than 25 years. The owner of the Big Kart Track has been an integral part of tourism marketing boards and promotion of our major attractions for many years.
Less well-known is Ferre's interest in the visual arts. He and his family have a passion for indigenous art and have generously lent their collection to public galleries across Australia.
43. DAREN EDWARDS
DETECTIVE Senior Sergeant Edwards is the boss of detectives across the Sunshine Coast.
A former Northern Territory policeman, Sen. Sgt Edwards has overseen some of the region's most exhaustive investigations.
Sen-Sgt Edwards was honoured for his role with the Sunshine Coast Drug and Serious Crime Taskforce, which took more than $7 million worth of drugs off local streets by late-August.
44. PAVO & HEIDI WALKER
THE duo are the faces behind Walker Seafoods Australia - a Mooloolaba-based tuna company known for its high-quality export-grade tuna/swordfish, and the only tuna company in Australia with MSC certification.
After a massive expansion late last year the high-grade seafood exporters has continued to shine, named as finalists in the Premier's Export Awards and one of the 10 most powerful foodies in the state.
45. JEFF ADDISON
A TIRELESS campaigner, frustrated commuter and local resident, Mr Addison has been fighting for more than a decade for improved rail services.
Recent funding breakthroughs have seen $550 million of the $780- million required for rail duplication and Mr Addison is continuing to fight to secure the remaining funds to deliver better rail connections between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane as well as being an advocate for light rail.
47. CRAIG MATHESON
THE current chief of staff to Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, Mr Matheson has previously worked as the council's chief strategy officer and has also been acting deputy director-general during a 20-year career in State Government.
He is the Mayor's right-hand man directly influencing council direction, giving advice on daily decision-making at the highest level and is involved in driving many of the region's major projects.
48. GEVA MENTOR
AS captain of the Sunshine Coast Lightning, which hoisted a second consecutive Super Netball trophy in the Australian National Netball League this year, English import Geva Mentor is an inspiration, not only to her teammates,but the Coast's broader netball community.
Named Player of the Year for the 2017 Suncorp Super Netball season, Mentor was also the Lightning's first Player of the Year. She has been a huge asset for the Coast.
55. PETER PALLOT
THE Sunshine Coast Airport boss has overseen a massive expansion of the facility. Record numbers of national and international tourists through the airport has led to unprecedented growth.
A new runway, with the help of Sunshine Coast Council and the Federal Government, is currently under construction with more international flights from five destinations expected to boost the region's tourist economy.
56. TOM OFFERMANN
THE real estate agent to the elite, Mr Offermann has been tasked with selling the Sunshine Coast's most stunning properties for decades.
The established Noosa agent has dealt with celebrities, politicians and sporting heroes as they house hunt around Hastings St, playing part salesman, part-tourism advocate for the region.
He has also been a strong, long-time supporter of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club and Noosa Coast Guard.
57. RUSSELL STITZ
THE Buderim Foundation chairman is hoping to increase grants to local groups by raising investment capital to more than $2 million through the 2018 Community Challenge.
Since 2004, more than $383,000 has been allocated to 66 organisations.
He is also one of the country's most highly-awarded clinicians and is respected worldwide for his leadership in the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
58. SANDY BOLTON
THE Independent Noosa MP stood between the LNP and complete control of the Sunshine Coast at the last State Election.
The former Noosa councillor unseated long-time LNP Member Glen Elmes with a grassroots campaign that elevated her into a position of relative strength as one of a handful of crossbenchers.
Ms Bolton is also a tireless advocate for disability services and has served on a range of community banks.
59. MICHAEL DONOVAN
MR DONOVAN is well known for his voluntary contribution to several enterprises.
He was chairman of Tourism Noosa and is acknowledged as preserving it as an independent organisation. He was also the inaugural chair of Noosa Biosphere Ltd.
Under his stewardship, the new model for The Original Eumundi Markets was established. He spent 20 years in arts and entertainment and was CEO of hotel chain Best Western.
61. MARK FORBES
AN Australia-first facility to treat eating disorders is about to be built on the Coast thanks to Mr Forbes. Four years ago he founded endED after watching his own daughters suffer.
The group has partnered with the council and the university to create a community where eating disorders become a stranger. Each fortnight the Forbes open their home for meetings with parents and carers to help teach them how to support their loved ones.
69. MICHAEL MANWARING
A SHOPPING centre manager of about 30 years, Mr Manwaring is centre manager for the Sunshine Plaza, the Coast's major shopping destination. Having taken over in 2010, Mr Manwaring's current role involves overseeing a massive $400 million redevelopment of the shopping precinct, which would make the Plaza the largest shopping precinct north of Brisbane. The move will see giant retailer David Jones move in.
70. BRENDAN BRYANT
AS THE managing director of the Bryant Property Group, specialising in commercial property, building and leasing to corporate clients in the Maroochydore CBD, Mr Bryant is also a founding member and former vice-president of Maroochydore Revitalisation Association and was heavily involved in transforming the Ocean St precinct.
He is also co-owner of the New Orleans restaurant in Duporth Ave.
71. CHRIS SUN
NAMBOUR filmmaker Chris Sun has made a name for himself in the horror film industry.
In 2018, his blood fest Boar was released in his hometown with a limited release around the country. Boar was also screened on Foxtel, and with Microsoft and Playstation stores.
An IMDb rating of 7.5/10 is a clear sign of the film's good reception following up his locally-produced movie Charlie's Farm, starring Tara Reid.
72. MATT GOLINSKI
CELEBRITY chef Matt Golinski's story is one of heartbreak and hope. Almost seven years since he lost his family in a house fire at Tewantin, in which he also suffered debilitating burns, Mr Golinski has shown what the human spirit is capable of.
His road to recovery has captured the interest and love of the nation. He now competes in marathons and has returned to the kitchen. Last year, he welcomed the arrival of daughter Aluna.
73. DAN SOWDEN
THE director of Ray White Maroochydore, Mr Sowden grew up on the Sunshine Coast and is heavily engaged in the local community, whether it be through his passion for sport as a keen supporter of Maroochydore rugby union and surf lifesaving, to his work with local charities helping the disadvantaged.
At various gala dinners and events, Mr Sowden can be found on stage as emcee or calling the bidding, raising plenty of money for charity.
74. MIKE CLAYTON
A HUMBLE tow truck driver turned prime-time television star, Clayton's Towing general manager Mike Clayton and his family have operated their towing empire in the region for 48 years.
Last year, that empire reached a nation with the screening of 10-part series Towies on 7Mate in prime time.
The Clayton family is one of the region's best business success stories and the empire continues to grow.
76. DEBBIE PLATZ
A CURRENT Assistant Commissioner with the Australian Federal Police, the now Canberra-based decorated policewoman spent 22 years of her career on the Sunshine Coast.
In January last year, she was officially appointed national manager of crime operations, with her new portfolio covering drug importation, money-laundering and onshore immigration detention-centre incidents and people smuggling.
78. MICHAEL KIMLIN
UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast cancer prevention expert Prof Michael Kimlin is researching the link between vitamin D and melanoma.
The study aims to provide a better understanding of the disease's progression and whether vitamin D might reduce how aggressive the melanoma tumour is.
Prof Kimlin, who joined USC in 2015 as its foundation chair in cancer prevention, is a world-leading researcher.
80. JAMES MCGRATH
THE Nambour-based Senator used to enjoy a relatively low profile until playing a leading hand in the past two Liberal leadership spills.
In September 2015, Senator McGrath was one of the main men who threw their support behind Malcolm Turnbull when he unseated Tony Abbott.
Only a few months ago, Senator McGrath publicly backed Peter Dutton against Turnbull in a spill which resulted in ScoMo as PM.
81. JETT KENNY
THE son of Grant Kenny and Lisa Curry is forging his own path. The ironman and lifeguard has swapped his boardies for designer threads, with elite fashion houses using him for their campaigns this year.
He has also had several television appearances, including on Channel Seven's Real Full Monty and Nine's Ninja Warrior.
Throw in his work with the Alexandra Headland nippers program and his support of local charities and Kenny's hot property.
82. JESS & NORM
RADIO host Jess Eva and her partner Norm Hogan captured the attention, and hearts, of the nation when they appeared on this year's series of hit reality television show The Block.
The couple quickly became known for their "bogan" ways, and after "Steven Bradburying" their way into securing a penthouse, went from strength to strength to eventually snag the cover of Domain magazine.
The couple pocketed $209,000 at the auctions.
85. MICHELE LIPNER
NOW living in Peregian Springs, Michele Lipner spent 20 years doing humanitarian work in trouble spots such as Kosovo, Afghanistan and Ethiopia with various organisations, including the United Nations.
Her food rescue project distributes food to the needy, with more than 50 tonnes of excess food donated to-date and she has done humanitarian work after the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.
89. GREG SMITH
AS THE president of Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents Inc, Mr Smith represents thousands of Coast residents through member associations and community groups.
He is an advocate for transparency and good governance, particularly at a local government level.
Issues the group has tackled more recently include the failed Abacus Brisbane Rd carpark deal and amendments to the council's planning scheme.
90. BRIDIE SCOTT-PARKER
DR SCOTT-Parker is considered an expert in road safety for young novice drivers in her role as head of the Adolescent Risk Research Unit at the USC.
Her research involves measuring the risky behaviour of young novice drivers and the roles anxiety and depression play in that behaviour.
She is also the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Fellowship.
93. ANDREW POWELL
A FORMER Environment and Heritage Protection Minister and now holding a crucial shadow portfolio as Shadow State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister, Mr Powell has carved out a reputation as a man able to get things done.
Boundary changes at the last election meant the Glass House MP had a hell of a fight to retain his seat, but he now looms as a key player in the LNP Opposition.
96. TIM SMITH
PROFESSOR Tim Smith holds an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship. He is also an Adjunct Professor with Brock University, Canada, and a Senior Research Associate with Uppsala University, Sweden.
He was contributing author to the latest IPCC assessment and is a lead author for the upcoming IPCC assessment report.
Prior to joining USC, Professor Smith was a senior research scientist with the CSIRO.
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