Vote now: Sunshine Coast’s most influential movers and shakers of 2023
From community advocates to social media stars and business supremos the top 50 Sunshine Coast Power List has been revealed. Now it’s time for you to vote who should be number 1.
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From business powerhouses to community advocates and social media stars, there is no shortage of powerful and influential people across the Sunshine Coast.
Take a look at the top 50 people named in the 2023 Power List who have made headlines through their advocacy, projects and views that help shape the region.
See the full list and vote for who you think deserves to win the title of People’s Choice:
50. Melva Hobson
Melva Hobson moved to the Sunshine Coast after serving as Redland Bay City Council mayor from 2008-12.
Life on the coast means more time with grandchildren, but also plenty of community advocacy as the president of the Sunshine Coast’s largest residents’ group the Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents.
Ms Hobson continues is a staunch advocate for the community to ensure the interests of the public are met.
Her contributions to the Sunshine Coast being recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, resulted in her invitation to join the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Advisory Group, which she has been a member of over the past year.
49. Caroline Hutchinson OAM
Sunshine Coast radio announcer Caroline Hutchinson OAM continues to be a voice that is listened to and respected across the region.
Since starting with 92.7 MIX FM in 1998, the veteran announcer is still at the top of her game, contributing to the station topping the latest Xtra Insights survey.
An active participant in the community, she helped raise over $510,000 for 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me Five for Kids campaign that supports children’s hospital and health services on the Sunshine Coast, as well as took part in the Sunshine Coast’s Biggest Charity Car Wash.
Outside of radio, Ms Hutchinson hosts the popular Awkward Conversations podcast and hosts many community events.
48. Leigh McCready
Prominent Noosa identity Leigh McCready continued to raise her profile as an advocate for the community this year.
The well-connected businesswomen was involved in a number of high-profile campaigns to assist community services and organisations.
Serving as the Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, her work has involved lifting the profile of the health care service.
Over the past year, her advocacy resulted in securing a $1.5m grant to add two guests rooms at the facility.
She was also responsible for the Peregian Surf Club being re-established for the 2022/2023 season.
Next year, she will be hoping to take her community leadership to the next level after announcing she will run for Noosa Shire Council at the local government election in March.
47. Duncan Armstrong OAM
Olympic champion and broadcaster Duncan Armstrong OAM has made quite the impact since moving to the Sunshine Coast.
In 2023, the two-time Olympic Swimmer and gold medal winner for Australia, Mr Armstrong continued his work with the Sunshine Coast 2032 initiative, which he has been tasked to lead alongside Roz White and Brendan Burkett OAM.
Mr Armstrong also hosts events and inspires many as the owner of Peak Impact Consulting Services.
This year, he was also involved with the launch of Visit Sunshine Coast’s training program Shine, which was attended by over 100 tourism businesses.
46. Helen Bartlett
University of Sunshine Coast vice-chancellor and president Professor Helen Bartlett continued to lead the education institution through a strong period of growth this year.
Since becoming the first female vice-chancellor of the education institute in 2020 after moving from Victoria, Professor Bartlett has helped increase the standing of the university on a global scale.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings released in September, UniSC had moved up 171 spots in the rankings to be among the world’s leading 1904 universities.
The institution also recorded the biggest improvement in the country for research quality, with a score of 70.
Professor Bartlett also focused on enriching student experiences, with UniSC ranked joint first for student satisfaction in a Best University Ranking initiative.
45. Craig Mansfield
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield remains one of the top cops in the region, as officer-in-charge of Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch.
Between investigations into alleged murders and drug busts within the region throughout 2023, Sergeant Mansfield’s resolve for justice is as strong as ever after over two decades in policing.
The officer-in-charge plays a crucial role to inform the public on recent crime and ongoing investigations, reminding the community to remain vigilant against theft, scams and other dangers.
44. Chelsea Emery
Chelsea Emery has been commanding her legal firm since 2010, with her career in criminal and traffic law tracking back to 1999.
She also previously worked as a criminal law lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast and has been invited back frequently to speak about the profession.
In 2016, Ms Emery was certified criminal law accredited specialist through the Queensland Law Society.
She was recognised Sunshine Coast Law Association in 2021 and the Suncoast Community Legal Service in 2016 with life membership.
Ms Emery’s name has also appeared as a recommended lawyer in the Leading Criminal Lawyers lists by Doyles Guide between 2019 and 2022.
“Defending criminal charges is an enormously stressful experience particularly when a client has had no prior dealings with the criminal justice system,” Ms Emery said.
43. Anna Smith
Anna Smith has taken on more than 23 years’ worth of legal challenges as a crown prosecutor, barrister and solicitor advocate and is a frequent face at Sunshine Coast courthouses.
Ms Smith began her legal career in New South Wales in 2000, and then was admitted again in Queensland in 2009.
Working in courts across Queensland, Ms Smith also takes matters in New South Wales occasionally.
Ms Smith has been running Smith Criminal Law for the past 11 years and has offices in Maroochydore and Gympie.
“I had an interest in crime and criminal law for as long as I can remember – I read every true crime book I could get my hands on as a young teenager,” she said.
42. Graeme Juniper
Renowned property developer Graeme Juniper continued to make an impact on the Sunshine Coast this year, in his advocacy for local businesses and the community.
The founder of Juniper Development Group, one of Australia’s most successful property development companies, Mr Juniper utilised his business acumen in his ongoing role as Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce president.
As part of his role, Mr Juniper helped advocate against council plans to build a 290m seawall at Mooloolaba Beach.
With contributed efforts between Mr Juniper and other community groups including The Beach Matters Group and Mooloolaba Alliance and Beach Matters, the seawall project underwent a redesign as part of a $24m transformation.
41. Chloe Kopilovic
FC Lawyers director Chloe Kopilovic has taken leaps in her legal career in the past decade after moving to the Sunshine Coast from Western Australia in 2011.
Starting out as a trainee at FC Lawyers, Ms Kopilovic became a solicitor before rising to the position as one of the firm’s directors in 2021.
Ms Kopilovic was the youngest member of the Queensland Law Society for the 2016/2017 term and was re-elected for 2018/2019, all while finishing her Masters in Applied Law.
Ms Kopilovic was elected to hold the position of Queensland Law Society president throughout the term of 2023 and has led the society to address issues such as youth crime and housing availability in Queensland.
The same year she became a director at FC Lawyers, the Doyle’s Guide included her as Queensland’s recommended lawyer in wills, estates and litigations.
40. Tate McDermott
Tate McDermott continues to inspire the next generation of rugby union players, with the Sunshine Coast Grammar graduate fronting up as the Wallabies’ 86th Australian vice-captain in this year’s World Cup.
Mr McDermott played for Matthew Flinders Anglican College before he attended Brisbane State High School and then Sunshine Coast Grammar.
He made his Super Rugby debut in 2018 and his Test debut two years later, and was named co-caption of the Queensland Reds in 2022.
39. Brendan Bathersby
Director of Bathersby Legal Brendan Bathersby has been on the Sunshine Coast since 1992 and has practised as a commercial litigator ever since.
He launched his Maroochydore-based firm in 2020, where he still works as a commercial litigator.
Mr Bathersby had been an active member of the Sunshine Coast business community including TAFE, Compass Institute, WishList, Australian Trade Industry, Master Builders and the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce while heavily advocating for rail infrastructure in the Maroochydore City Centre.
He has been the chairman of Master Builders for the past four years and on the regional executive committee for more than 20 years; and has been the president of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce for the past five years.
38. Dr Theresa Craig AM
Maleny-based Dr Theresa Craig AM is a well-respected member of the agriculture industry and federal politics.
The agricultural scientist has served as the managing director of Tara (Technical Assistance and Research Analysis) for the past two decades.
In that role she consults on animal nutrition and production management for dairies, feedlots, feed mills, stud breeders and pastoral operations.
Dr Craig is also the managing director and principal consultant at Aserlay Farms – a purebred Charolais and commercial red Brahman operation at Elaman Creek.
In politics, Dr Craig is a member of the federal management committee for the National Party, currently serving as the Treasurer.
In the 2023 Australia Day Honours List, Dr Craig was recognised for significant service to politics and the agriculture industry.
37. Kathryn Hyman
Kathryn Hyman is known for her community advocacy and campaigning against developments, as well as calling for the need for affordable housing.
As Save Twin Waters West president, she has been opposing Stockland’s Twin Waters West development plans since 2008 and has also fought against the Sekisui House development in Yaroomba.
She also regularly updates her community followers on social media with her insights and discussions with council.
36. Craig Morrison
Town Group director Craig Morrison has been working within the property and real estate industry for the past six years.
Current projects led by Mr Morrison include a $30m surf park at Glass House Mountains, rooftop dining at Pavilion in Mooloolaba and a 29-lot development at Mt Coolum.
He was born, attended school and completed university on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Morrison previously said he loved being able make a small difference with each project on the Sunshine Coast.
“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity on the coast with available land to deliver projects,” Mr Morrison said.
“Other parts of the world that are already developed out wouldn’t have the same opportunity.”
35. Haydn Stjernqvist
Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist has the final call when it comes to criminal and other matters within Maroochydore Magistrates Court.
Mr Stjernqvist has the responsibility of taking pleas, imposing fair sentences and directing hearings after considering facts and submissions presented by lawyers and prosecutors.
More serious criminal cases involving violent assault matters and murder allegations area also handled by Mr Stjernqvist prior to being committed to the higher courts.
Taking oaths or affirmations to swear in Justice of the Peace volunteers is another day-to-day task of servicing the Sunshine Coast community.
34. Frank Wilkie
A staunch community advocate, Noosa Shire Council deputy mayor Frank Wilkie has proven to be a force of stability in a year of unprecedented times.
A former high school teacher, journalist, and newspaper editor, Mr Wilkie has served on the Noosa Council since 2014.
As a councillor, Mr Wilkie has shown support for the Noosa Planning Scheme and initiatives that protect Noosa’s beaches, rivers, waterways and open spaces, as well as projects that foster economic innovation.
The experienced council representative has announced that he will run for mayor at the 2024 local government election in March.
33. Kenneth Wagner
Toowoomba-based development firm KPAT is building the long-awaited $50m high rise hotel at Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.
Managing director Kenneth Wagner, of Toowoomba’s prominent Wagner family, spearheaded the development approval process.
Working with international company Minor Hotels, the project would evolve a car park site into Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel with 180 rooms, four restaurants, conference facilities and more.
The project gained Sunshine Coast Council approval in March, 2022 and started construction in August this year.
Mr Wagner is the founder and director of the major hotel development company KPAT Hotels and Pubs.
32. Judge Glen Cash
Judge Glen Cash has become a familiar face at Maroochydore and Gympie District Courts, taking on the responsibility of directing juries and imposing fair and just decisions on sentencing within criminal cases.
Predominantly operating from Maroochydore, Judge Cash is one of 44 appointed District Court judges in Queensland.
He was admitted as a barrister in Queensland in 1999 and was appointed judge of the District Court in 2018.
Judge Cash also hears matters in the Children’s Court and Planning and Environment Court.
31. Ross and Sally Hopper
Maleny Dairies owner Ross Hopper built Maleny Dairies from the ground up with his wife Sally.
The business produces about 13 million litres of milk per year and ships the product across Queensland and parts of New South Wales.
At the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Maleny Dairies won the Food and Agribusiness award in the large business category.
First emerging in 1948, the fourth-generation family-owned farm produces milk, yoghurt, custard and cream at their Sunshine Coast hinterland facilities.
The Hoppers are also parents to four children.
30. Jennifer Swaine
Jennifer Swaine is an experienced communications and public relations consultant and the chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Ms Swaine moved to the Sunshine Coast with her husband in 2010.
The former Sunshine Coast Daily columnist helps large corporate businesses as well as small to medium-sized enterprises increase their profile through strong branding and compelling storytelling.
Ms Swaine is the interim CEO of Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast, a non-executive director of Visit Sunshine Coast and the business and tourism lead at Sunshine Coast 2032.
29. Chris Toohey
A veteran of the Queensland Police Service, Detective Inspector Chris Toohey is involved in investigations into major crimes and cases on the Sunshine Coast.
The Crime Inspector for the region has spent 33 years in policing, primarily in criminal investigation.
In his time on the Sunshine Coast, he has investigated murders, robberies, and organised crime.
This year, Inspector Toohey was involved in the launch of a homicide investigation after Christopher Gwin was found dead by neighbours in his Conondale home in May, while he also was involved in the investigation into the alleged fatal assault of John Kerr at Noosa Heads in June.
When it comes to policing, Mr Toohey said it is critical to balance the need to investigate, respond, disrupt, and prevent crimes.
28. Jacob Watson
Wattfit owner Jacob Watson was voted the top personal trainer on the Sunshine Coast shortly after his gym was crowned best in the region.
Hi loyal gym members rallied behind Mr Watson to secure his victory as the vote for best gym in September where racked up more than 500 votes.
About one month later, Mr Watson was crowned best PT amongst 60 other trainers within the region.
Mr Watson said his approach to his work was “building relationships and rapport” and had been working with some of his clients for more than four years.
His gym at Little Mountain opened in October, 2022, and offers group fitness classes and personal training as well as boxing, cardio and yoga and pilates but is best known for its over 50s sessions.
27. Mark Stockwell
Stockwell managing director Mark Stockwell is one of the giants of development in the Noosa region.
Mr Stockwell was a silver medalist Olympic swimmer before joining the family development company in 1992.
As the managing director of the company, he has seen it grow to become a respected developer in the industrial, retail, commercial, residential and leisure spaces.
In 2022, the development company gained approval for the Noosa Civic Medihub and the Hof residential apartments in Noosaville.
Construction commenced on the Hof Noosaville this year.
26. Emma Thomas
In 2023, Sunshine Coast Council chief executive officer Emma Thomas continued to be a trailblazer for women in leadership roles.
The chief executive of one of the largest regional councils in Australia leads by example, overseeing an organisation that serves a population over 320,000 residents.
Ms Thomas’ highlights for the year include the delivery of a billion-dollar budget, a well as the unveiling of a long-term plan to benefit from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
25. Sandy Bolton
It has been a year of resilience for Queensland’s only independent member of parliament Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
Ms Bolton has fiercely advocated for the Noosa community, as the region did for years to gain independence after amalgamation.
Ms Bolton has advocated on behalf of the Noosa community for affordable housing, in the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan, the Noosa River and Cooloola Great Walk Eco Project and policing and safety concerns.
Ms Bolton also served on the Legal and Affairs Safety Committee and was selected as chair of the Parliamentary Crime Committee.
Ms Bolton put back $10,000 into the community for an assessment of key wildlife roadkill hotspots and helped with awards for local schools and donations of prizes for community groups.
24. Travis Schultz
Travis Schultz has become one of Queensland’s industry leaders in compensation law.
Mr Schultz was admitted as a Queensland lawyer in 1994 and became an accredited specialist in personal injury law in 1999.
He founded Travis Schultz and Partners in 2018 which now has offices in Mooloolaba as well as in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast.
Mr Schultz is a five-time Doyle’s Guide recommendations recipient and in 2021 was acknowledged as the only lawyer in the country to be pre-eminent in all three compensation law areas.
His law firm was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards, in recognition of his three award wins over the years.
Mr Schultz also holds a position on the board for the LifeFlight Foundation and has previously raised money for Wishlist, Sunshine Coast Health Services, and SunnyKids.
23. Kaylee McKeown OAM
Australian swimmer and three-time Olympian Kaylee McKeown OAM continued to make waves in 2023 with record-breaking feats in the pool.
During this year’s Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, Ms McKeown broke the women’s 50 and 100 backstroke world records, making her a four-time world record holder.
In doing so, she became only the fifth swimmer in history to hold the record in 50m,100m, and 200m for the same stroke simultaneously.
Last month, she declared her intentions to seal back-to-back Olympic gold medals when she takes to the pool at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
She is also training to swim in the medley.
22. Craig Hawkins
Sunshine Coast Superintendent and District Officer Craig Hawkins has been steering the region’s policing efforts since taking on the job as top cop in May, 2020.
He was first appointed during the pandemic after working in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.
From leading operations and establishing task forces down to reminding graduating students to take care during Schoolies, Mr Hawkins has a strong dedication towards all his duties.
21. Tony Kelly
The latest culinary endeavour by restaurateur Tony Kelly received 1000 reservations within 24 hours in 2023.
He is currently the owner of 10 restaurants on the Sunshine Coast including Rice Boi, Piggyback, Giddy Geisha, Bocca Italian and Market Bistro.
Mr Kelly opened his newest restaurant in Mooloolaba, RB Dining, after the public called for a formal dining setting with the calibre of a Rice Boi menu.
The chef-by-trade grew up on the Sunshine Coast and spent decades of his career cooking for the rich and famous in various parts of the world.
20. Scott Armstrong
Hospitality baron Scott Armstrong from Maeva Hospitality has delivered another addition to the Sunshine Coast dining scene this year with the completion of the $32m Bli Bli Hotel in October.
Having also partnered with renovators Andrew and Lucy Pink to transform the Caloundra Motel into a sustainable and chic accommodation option in Caloundra, Mr Armstrong has greatly contributed to the tourism and hospitality sectors within the region as managing director.
Maeva Hospitality has also brought the Baringa Tavern, Parklands Tavern, Brightwater Hotel and The Lakehouse to the Sunshine Coast in recent years.
19. Amanda Yeates
Amanda Yeates is an integral figure within the Maroochydore CBD development as chief executive of Suncentral.
Ms Yeates stepped into the role in 2022 after previously working as deputy director general at the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Suncentral was formed by Sunshine Coast Council to direct the delivery of the Maroochydore City Centre in partnership with Walker Corporation and Sunshine Coast Council.
18. Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart
Balin Stewart’s parents Michael and Kerri-Lyn spearhead the Bin the Blade for Balin campaign which helps educate youths and parents on knife crime.
Balin was fatally stabbed outside the family home in Buddina in January, 2022, and his determined parents are ensuring his death was not in vain.
The parents started the Bailin Stewart Foundation, with the aim to prevent injury and death caused by weapons and knives.
They deliver presentations and hand out resources for teens, youths, parents, carers, teachers, and other community members.
Through the foundation, Mr and Mrs Stewart founded the #BinTheBladeForBalin campaign which aims to encourage anyone carrying a knife to bin it, as well as to educate youths about the dangers and consequences that a simple act of violence can have.
17. Ashley Robinson
As the head of two iconic organisations on the Sunshine Coast, Ashley Robinson continues to be a prominent community member.
A popular identity, Mr Robinson is the Sunshine Coast Falcons chairman and the Alex Surf Club director of development.
Mr Robinson is influential in the future of both of these organisations, as well as helping youth lifesavers and rugby league players coming through the ranks.
His contribution to the community was recognised when he was tasked with heading the Gambling Community Benefit Committee, handing out millions of dollars in grants to local organisations.
16. Clive Palmer
Billionaire Clive Palmer has made headlines this year for the ongoing work at Palmer Coolum Resort including plans for a luxury car museum.
It has been estimated the museum, proposed to showcase Mr Palmer’s rare car collection, would attract as many as 189,000 visitors to the region upon completion.
His controversial $100m upgrade to the Palmer Coolum Resort stirred up many nearby residents concerned about the impact of construction works.
Starting from a career in real estate at the Gold Coast down to billion-dollar stints in the mining industry and politics sector, Mr Palmer’s business portfolio stretches across several decades.
15. Shadforth family
One of Queensland’s largest family-owned civil construction companies Shadforth has played a key role in the growth of Sunshine Coast.
The company, nearing its 60th birthday, has been the driving force behind many residential and commercial estates, infrastructure, and road upgrades.
Heavily involved in master planned community Aura, one of the developers’ deliveries this year involved a new 2.8km section of Bells Creek Arterial Road, extending south from the Caloundra roundabout through to Aura.
The company also worked on an 82-lot industrial and business park dubbed Sippy Cleantech Enterprise Park.
Shadforth was also previously involved in the delivery of Parklakes 1, 2 and the proposed Parklakes 3 at Bli Bli as well as upgrades to the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Coolum Sports Complex.
14. Susan Toft
Susan Toft is the CEO of The Laundry Lady, a mobile laundry service operating across Australia and mostly recently, in New Zealand.c
Mrs Toft launched her next-day, pick-up and delivery laundry service business from her Gold Coast home in 2012 before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2018 and turning it into a side hustle as she worked full-time and raised her family.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented her with an opportunity to hit the reset button on the business, as she watched it grow from eight staff in Queensland, to more than 200 nationally.
Based out of the Aura Business Park in Baringa, the Laundry Lady hit $3.8m in revenue in the last financial year and is continuing to almost double business every year.
She also ranked number 44 in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Fast Starters this year after securing a record-breaking $1m investment during her appearance on television show Shark Tank Australia.
13. Katie Acheson
Social development specialist Katie Acheson is a passionate advocate for the youth of the Sunshine Coast.
Ms Acheson serves as the executive manager of policy and advocacy for Arafmi, an organisation that provides quality support and education services to people with mental health support needs, their families, and carers.
As co-founder of Numbers and People Synergy, she is heavily involved with the organisation as a youth development specialist.
She also serves as a non executive director of Youturn Youth Support and was previously the chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition.
Ms Acheson’s commitment to youth was recognised with the 2023 Bob and June Prickett Churchill Fellowship award.
12. Anna Owen
Anna Owen is the leader of one of the region’s most prestigious schools and has taken the school and its students from strength to strength.
The 2023 school year marked the first in three years not to be impacted by pandemic restrictions and social interruptions.
Sunshine Coast Grammar School had experienced an increase in enrolments in recent years, with further growth expected.
The school also lodged plans this year to construct three-storey “junior” buildings.
11. Rob Comiskey
Rob Comiskey has spearheaded many entertainment and hospitality projects across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and wider areas as one of the directors of Comiskey Group.
One of the latest deliveries in the Sunshine Coast region was the The Doonan near Eumundi, while the Comiskey Group also lodged a proposal with council this year for a 150ha music festival site at Coochin Creek.
He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the The Imperial Hotel at Eumundi in August.
The construction and hospitality group also secured approval for the highly-anticipated Aura Hotel at Caloundra in May.
Mr Comiskey, as part of the family company, has some major Queensland hospitality venues stacked in his portfolio including the Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel, and Samford Hotel.
10. Dennis Family Corporation
Dennis Family Corporation may not have been a well-known name within the Sunshine Coast community up until recently.
However that’s quickly changing.
Founded by Bert Dennis in the 1960s, Dennis Family Corporation has gone onto become one of Australia’s leading privately owned residential land development and building companies.
In 2023, the development family came out on top in a bidding competition for an 18.5ha land parcel at Yaroomba which was previously owned by Japan-based company Sekisui House.
Plans for Yaroomba were unveiled in October, with the developer to create a residential gated community including detached houses, terrace homes, and apartments.
It’s not their first project on the Sunshine Coast, with the developers also behind Serenity Residences at Little Mountain, a 1.2ha site that will have 40 three-bedroom townhouses.
9. Andy Hearnden
Andy Hearnden has racked up more than 14 million followers combined on social media platforms for his cooking videos under the name Andy Cooks.
His videos depict mouth-watering meals cooked in the kitchen with the recipe and ingredients conveniently posted below.
The Sunshine Coast chef, backed by years of experience as a chef in restaurants around the world, released his first cookbook globally this year.
Mr Hearnden decided to put together the cookbook, packed with gone-viral recipes, after he was inundated by requests from eager fans.
He was also nominated for Creator of the Year at the 2023 TikTok Awards Australia and New Zealand, only bested by Indy Clinton.
8. Lang Walker
Lang Walker has a huge amount of influence when it comes to development at the Maroochydore City Centre.
The Walker Corporation director and executive chairman along with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore were working to deliver the future proofing of Maroochydore’s CBD, with the 53ha project estimated to be worth $2.5bn.
This urban transformation will include commercial and retail space along with residential apartments, encompassing everything from hotels, conference facilities and CBD living.
Most recently, a $22.5m car park complex spanning across eight storeys was unveiled by Walker Corporation and Mayor Mark Jamieson on December 13.
Walker Corporation also launched construction for the 50 First Ave office tower, which will provide 15 floors of commercial opportunities and lodged plans with council in October for a central park within the CBD.
The development company has been involved in residential, commercial, industrial and other projects across Australia, even spanning to America, Canada, Malaysia and Fiji.
As executive chairman, Mr Walker has more than $25 billion worth of projects in the works to be established within the next decade.
7. Clare Stewart
Noosa Shire Council Mayor Clare Stewart’s stock as a community leader and advocate continued to rise in 2023.
In the face of operational challenges, supply chain issues, and rising costs, Ms Stewart led the region through another year of progress, including delivery of a $43m capital program, the largest initiated by the council, that lead to a host of major infrastructure projects completed.
“I am immensely proud of the array of projects, services and improvements we have implemented, despite the tough conditions and ongoing external challenges,” she said.
As a member of the board of directors for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, she advocated for opportunities for Noosa to benefit from the games.
A desire to resolve the challenges that Noosa faces at a higher level led to Ms Stewart being endorsed as the Liberal National Party’s candidate for Noosa at the 2024 Queensland state election.
6. Tim Jordan
Founder and CEO Tim Jordan has focused on providing Australians the opportunity for cheaper airfares with the launch of Bonza in 2023.
The budget airline has established routes across Australia and snagged a third base at the Gold Coast in August, adding to their hubs at the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne.
The airline currently services 38 routes to 21 destinations, most recently connecting the Gold Coast to Tasmania.
Mr Jordan decided to establish the independent discount carrier to benefit Australian communities after decades of experience working in low-cost air travel.
Mr Jordan sold 10,000 future seats within the first four days of the airline’s launch.
5. Roz White
Roz White’s supermarket enterprise has become a staple within the Sunshine Coast community.
Mrs White and her husband Michael started White’s IGA Group in Maroochydore and, within the past 30 years, the group has grown to direct six stores at Baringa, Bli Bli, Forest Glen, Mooloolah, Mount Coolum, and Peregian Beach.
Mrs White and her husband also collaborated with Maeva Hospitality director Scott Armstrong and the Deery family, the latter the owners of the iconic Story Bridge Hotel and the Woodford Hotel, to deliver the Bli Bli Hotel this year.
Mrs White leads the Sunshine Coast 2032 initiative which aims to ensure the community benefits from the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
White’s IGA Group was also crowned Large Employer of the Year at the 2023 Queensland Training Awards.
Most recently, they won the 2023 Retail Large Business Award at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards as third time consecutive winners.
The Whites are also parents to a son and daughter.
4. Rachael Bermingham
One of Australia’s highest selling authors, Rachael Bermingham was a fierce advocate for the region’s beaches and oceans in 2023.
Widely known for her exploits as an author, entrepreneur, and tv personality, in recent years Ms Bermingham has campaigned to protect the Sunshine Coast’s beaches as president of The Beach Matters Group.
The group successfully campaigned for a redesign of the proposed seawall along Mooloolaba Beach, while Ms Bermingham helped spearhead a major clean-up operation following a polystyrene spill that littered the coastline from Alexandra Headland to Maroochydore.
The group continues to campaign for better public transport and against a proposed light rail system from Maroochydore to Kawana.
Ms Bermingham said it was a honour to feature in the Power 50 list.
“It’s a wonderful recognition for all the hundreds of hours both me and also the hardworking and dedicated Beach Matters community members put in,” Ms Bermingham said.
“We’ve had an enormous year on the beach—monitoring it, conducting extensive research and study and doing dozens of cleans to ensure its preserved, looks its best and is healthy for the community and our marine life. “
3. Mark Jamieson
Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson has called time on his career in local politics after 12 years at the helm of the fifth largest local government area in Queensland.
As mayor, Mr Jamieson has championed development and the establishment of major projects across the region, including the Maroochydore City Centre, the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, as well as better rail and road infrastructure.
He says his lasting legacy will be the benefits that the Sunshine Coast receives as a delivery partner of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I wanted to let the people of the Sunshine Coast know in plenty of time and how much I have appreciated serving them, the privilege it has been, and the fact that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our council team doing a lot of great things for the region,” he said.
2. Noel Pearson
Notable Indigenous lawyer and Noosa region resident Noel Pearson was a powerful figure this year, featuring prominently on the campaign trail for the 2023 Voice to Parliament Australian referendum.
The respected Indigenous leader was a member of the advisory group established to co-design the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and campaigned nationally for the Yes vote.
His voice featured in mainstream media coverage across the country and he also delivered a speech to the National Press Club.
Significantly, he stood alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Uluru – where the Uluru Statement From the Heart was presented in 2017 – during this year’s campaign.
Mr Pearson said he is proud to hail from an area with such a rich indigenous history.
“We live in a region with names like Noosa, Coolum, Tewantin, Eumundi, there is hardly a place name in this part of the country that is not an ancient Aboriginal place name.”
1. Robert Irwin
Robert Irwin’s remarkable rise as a social media star and television personality has made him a force to be reckoned with.
Topping the Sunshine Coast Daily’s Power 50 list, the wildlife warrior this year was named as a new co-host of I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! and awarded as the winner of GQ’s Social Force of the Year.
The conservationist is a popular figure on social media, boasting 4.8m followers on Instagram and 6.7m on TikTok , sharing snippets from the most exciting species and updates at Australia Zoo and its Wildlife Hospital as well as his own life, travel and photography.
Importantly, the son of the late Steve Irwin ensured his father’s legacy continued, hosting crocodile shows at Australia Zoo, taking part in a crocodile tagging program, with the award-winning photographer also keeping sharp behind the lens.
His wildlife photos have spread far and wide, with Australia Zoo hosting its own exhibition and shop dedicated to his photography.
Mr Irwin has travelled globally this year to attend events, not to forget the recent Steve Irwin Gala, hosted annually to raise funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and presenting the EarthShot Prize 2023 in Singapore.
Mr Irwin said he was “incredibly honoured” to be named as number 1 in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Daily Power 50 List.
“I am a proud advocate for the Sunshine Coast on the world stage, and love my home so much, having grown up right here at Australia Zoo, it has always been where my heart beats from,” he said.
“To receive this recognition is humbling and meaningful, I will continue striving to make positive change for our environment and community and will forever be a passionate Sunny Coast local.”
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