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Vote now for Sunshine Coast Power 50 list 2022 | Poll

It’s time to have your say! Out of everyone on the 2022 Power 50 list, who do you think is the most influential person on the Sunshine Coast? Cast your vote here.

Sunshine Coast Power 50: People's Choice. Vote now!
Sunshine Coast Power 50: People's Choice. Vote now!

The Sunshine Coast’s most influential movers and shakers have been identified, but now we want to know what you think.

Place your votes in our poll for who you think is the most influential person on the Sunshine Coast for 2022.

Voting closes at 12am on Saturday, December 10.

From eighth generation farmers to the beloved Irwin family, here is the complete list:

SCROLL DOWN TO CAST YOUR VOTE

Peter Wise Picture: Tegan Annett
Peter Wise Picture: Tegan Annett

50. Peter Wise:

Peter Wise’s family has been occupying Sunshine Coast farmland for eight generations, and in 2022, Mr Wise is now known as ‘Maroochydore’s last farmer’.

Aside from Wises Farm in Buderim, Mr Wise owns a large parcel of land in Maroochydore which served as the point of controversy through the 1980s and 1990s as Mr Wise went through high-profile battles over it with council.

This later served as the basis of his book, titled This Is My Land, which was published in 2013.

Mr Wise made headlines in 2022 after he allowed expressions of interest for potential buyers for the farmland; a decision he made on his terms.

The land had been sought after by numerous developers for decades and what happens on the site will have a significant impact on the future of Maroochydore and Buderim.

John Hutchinson.
John Hutchinson.

49. John Hutchinson:

The other half of the Sunshine Coast Hutchinson power couple, and Kook Multimedia director, John Hutchinson said he was most proud of the community’s “mature conversation on public transport solutions” for the Sunshine Coast.

“That so many people are engaged shows how much we value what we have, and that we’re serious about the solution,” he said.

“Business-wise, our team at Kook has pushed us through some hectic times over the recent past, and they were recognised for that, being finalists in the Sunshine Coast business awards.”

He also seconded his wife’s acknowledgment of the “two new in-laws” his family welcomed in 2022 and said he “couldn’t be more pleased” with his children’s choices.

AJ Mitakos. Picture: Contributed
AJ Mitakos. Picture: Contributed

48. AJ Mitakos:

AJ Mitakos is Walker Corporation’s development and leasing manager and he has played a pivotal role in the Maroochydore City Centre project.

After studying property economics Mr Mitakos followed a career in investment transaction and worked with Lendlease, before beginning a role with the Walker Corporation on the Sunshine Coast.

AJ was one of the top 10 for the Sunshine Coast’s most influential young professional under 30 in 2022.

Peppi Bueti.
Peppi Bueti.

47. Peppi Bueti:

With more than 25 years’ experience as a communications and marketing professional, Mr Bueti is the man in the know on the Sunshine Coast.

He rubs shoulders with some of the region’s heaviest hitters for a living and is also part of the communications team at SunCentral, the company overseeing delivering on council’s behalf of the new Maroochydore CBD.

Mr Bueti has worked on large infrastructure projects for companies such as Chevron and Powerlink Queensland to master planned communities such as Lensworth, Stockland and Devine.

The communications expert also tutored Public Relations students at the University of the Sunshine Coast and is an executive member of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, a committee member of the SunnyKids Sunshine Coast Mayoral Ball and the Sunshine Coast Multicultural Advisory Group.

Sandy Bolton MP. Picture: Liam Kidston
Sandy Bolton MP. Picture: Liam Kidston

46. Sandy Bolton:

Noosa independent MP Sandy Bolton has been an ever-present voice for the people of Noosa after she was elected in 2017.

Her new role meant she had overtaken a formerly-safe LNP seat, and was now the only independent MP in Queensland parliament – a title she still holds today.

In 2022, she has been a prominent force in several issues facing Noosa residents, including restoring thousands of hectares of land to Tewantin National Park and took a strong stance on the state government’s vaccine mandate.

Chelsea Emery. Picture: Contributed
Chelsea Emery. Picture: Contributed

45. Chelsea Emery:

Formidable criminal lawyer Chelsea Emery is known across the Sunshine Coast as a solicitor who will fight for the rights of her clients who find themselves in the courtroom.

As the principal lawyer of her own eponymous firm, she has been an advocate for defence law since her beginnings in the industry in 1999.

Since then she has had regular appearances in the Doyle’s guide under criminal law, handling several high profile murder and fraud cases, while also being a member of the Sunshine Coast Law Association.

Josh Sondergeld.
Josh Sondergeld.

44. Josh Sondergeld:

Stockland project director Josh Sondergeld, who oversees giant housing development Aura, said he had achieved several “big milestones” this year.

Mr Sondergeld said he had helped grow the development’s community to more than 10,000 residents, opened its third school, and supported businesses to create more than 1000 jobs.

Looking at next year, Mr Sondergeld, who has more than 15 years of property development experience, said he would be connecting Bells Creek Arterial Rd, Aura, to the Bruce Highway.

He would also be expanding the sport network and continue to create a diverse range of new housing for residents, with more than 2200 new homes in the pipeline in the major development.

Helen Bartlett. Photo: supplied.
Helen Bartlett. Photo: supplied.

43. Helen Bartlett:

University of Sunshine Coast president and vice-chancellor Helen Bartlett has plenty to be proud of and look forward to in her position after becoming the education provider’s first female vice-chancellor in 2020.

Prof Bartlett said she was “thrilled” that Good Universities Guide named her university as the top public university in Queensland for teaching quality and overall student experience this year.

Next year, she would be looking to expand the university’s allied health programs, relaunch Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, and open a $17.5m national PTSD centre at UniSC Thompson Institute.

“(It will be) bringing hope to trauma survivors,” she said.

Brady Sullivan.
Brady Sullivan.

42. Brady Sullivan:

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce chief executive Brady Sullivan has been a sharp and active member of the Caloundra community after taking up the role from Olivia Sainsbury who stepped down last year.

Before taking on this role, Mr Sullivan had been well-involved in the community and even attempted to try his hand at local government.

A couple of years ago, he was a candidate to be councillor for the Sunshine Coast Council’s division two before losing out to Terry Landsberg.

Mr Sullivan is well connected within business circles and the Caloundra chamber continues to grow, fuelled by an influx of new development in the Caloundra South area.

Amanda Yeates.
Amanda Yeates.

41. Amanda Yeates:

SunCentral Maroochydore’s chief executive has entered the development world as she helps lead the innovative Maroochydore CBD masterplan.

Ms Yeates, a former Deputy Director General at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, was appointed to the role this year.

Throughout her career the Sunshine Coast local has delivered billions of dollars to the development of infrastructure and maintenance of the state’s roads for the government.

Ashley Robinson.
Ashley Robinson.

40. Ashley Robinson:

From managing a surf club to overseeing millions in community grants, Mr Robinson continues to be an influential community member.

As Alex Surf Club’s general manager Mr Robinson inspires and mentors many young lifesavers.

He is also the chairman at Sunshine Coast Falcons where he helps players achieve their dreams and heads the Gambling Community Benefit Committee, which delivers millions of dollars in grants to local organisations.

Mr Robinson said while 2022 was a challenging year at the surf club, there was a lot to be proud of and look forward to.

“Business is great at the surf club but it’s just hard trying to find staff and keep them cause it’s just such a competitive market,” Mr Robinson said.

“Alex Surf Club has its 100 year anniversary in 2024 so I’m looking forward to celebrating that.”

Mr Robinson told the Sunshine Coast Daily he had watched the Falcons grow since 2014.

“We’ve gone from no one wanting to know to us to a very competitive club and we have great support from council, the Melbourne Storm and the community,” he said.

“The club has been going for over 100 years and but it’s nice to see people wanting to follow us, it’s just fantastic.

Mr Robinson said watching the Alex Surf Club win the open female and male taplin for the first time in history and on the same day of the Australian Titles was “the most rewarding thing” he had been involved in.

Cameron Hall.
Cameron Hall.

39. Cameron Hall:

Hall chief executive Cameron Hall said he was particularly proud of the company continuing to expand its footprint in the Pacific Islands, where it had started delivering climate change adaptation works in the island nation of Tuvalu.

He said the launch of Hall Water and Tailings, a new division servicing the mining and heavy industrial sectors, was also a significant milestone.

Hall Contracting is Australia’s largest privately owned dredging, civil and marine construction company.

Brendan Bathersby
Brendan Bathersby

38. Brendan Bathersby:

Bathersby Legal director Brendan Bathersby said his “small but extremely busy” Maroochydore legal practice had represented a “broad range” of clients, with a focus on the building and construction industry, and he acknowledged his dedicated team for their efforts in 2022.

He also retained his position as Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president and, with the executive committee, sponsors and members had advocated for “the delivery of heavy rail infrastructure into the Maroochydore city centre” and promoted “all things Maroochydore” including the city centre, the Sunshine Coast Airport and the Ocean Street entertainment precinct.

He said he and other Master Builders Queensland Sunshine Coast members had also continued to promote the building and construction industry and to advocate for and protect the interests of MBQ members and participants.

Sandy Zubrinich.
Sandy Zubrinich.

37. Sandy Zubrinich:

Sunshine Coast Business Council chairwoman and industry guru Sandy Zubrinich’s ambition for the strategic vision for the region’s future is second to none.

Her influence in the role since being appointed in 2012 is evidenced through her tireless efforts to bring the region’s largest companies together along with advocating for issues including the region’s transport needs, support for businesses and improving youth unemployment rates.

Matthew Evans. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily
Matthew Evans. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily

36. Matthew Evans:

Matthew Evans founded Evans Long in 2011 alongside Dirk Long and the development duo have since established a strong commercial, industrial and retail development track record with projects across the state.

Mr Evans’ experience as a qualified valuer and Mr Long’s history in commercial property and auctioneering has successfully situated Evans Long as one of the most prolific developers on the Coast.

The multimillion-dollar Wharf Mooloolaba refurbishment, a $10m building for the Maroochydore CBD, the Bli Bli Tavern and Kawana’s Capital One project are just a few notable developments in Evans Long’s portfolio.

Ray Shadforth.
Ray Shadforth.

35. Shadforth Family:

As the family behind a major civil construction company, the Shadforth name has emerged as a force within the industry.

Headed by managing director Ray Shadforth, the family have some of the biggest developments under their belt for region, including works on Australia’s largest master planned community – Aura.

In 2022, Shadforth Civil Construction was confirmed to have bought Centrepoint Marketplace in Caloundra for more than $7m; shortly after it was revealed more than $500m in projects for Bulcock St were in the pipeline.

Dirk Long. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily
Dirk Long. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily

34. Dirk Long:

Director of development company Evans Long, Dirk Long is responsible for some of the biggest developments on the coast.

As the developer behind projects such as the redeveloped Mooloolaba Wharf, A1 Maroochydore and Central Sippy Downs, Mr Long has cemented himself as a powerful force in a rapidly developing area.

In 2022, he has continued as a driving force behind development on the Sunshine Coast, including the creation of a new, boutique childcare centre in Sippy Downs – a rapidly developing suburb.

Danielle Smith. Photo: supplied.
Danielle Smith. Photo: supplied.

33. Danielle Smith:

As the chief executive of elite netball team Sunshine Coast Lightning, Danielle Smith said she was proud to help her club bounce back from Covid-19 this year.

Ms Smith, who became chief executive in 2016, said her athletes welcomed more than 17,000 spectators this year, back to pre-pandemic numbers.

This achievement was recognised by the prestigious Sunshine Coast Business Awards, crowning the club as the winner for the festivals and events category this year.

This year, Ms Smith was also thrilled to join the board of Sunshine Coast 2032, a group responsible for maximising the region’s opportunities with the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

Next year, Ms Smith said she was excited to embark on a new era with her netball team, connect with the local community, and take a “long holiday” at the end of the season.

“(It) will be my first big holiday in over five years,” she said.

Steve Barber of Blackflag Brewing
Steve Barber of Blackflag Brewing

32. Steve Barber:

Blackflag Brewing co-owner Steve Barber said he was most proud of building a brewery this year in Coolum Beach, which opened in October.

“It’s fantastic, the bar end has been absolutely flat out so that is great,” he said.

He said in the next year, Blackflag Brewing would expand “into new locations with bars” and focus on interstate sales.

He said the thing he was most proud of was his teams working together “to get things done”.

Kathryn Hyman. Picture: Patrick Woods.
Kathryn Hyman. Picture: Patrick Woods.

31. Kathryn Hyman:

Community group leader and advocate Kathryn Hyman has been an integral part of several campaigns against council and prospective developers, fighting to preserve the Sunshine Coast’s environment.

One of her most recent wins was against the Twin Waters West development by Stockland which did not appeal a court judgment against the project.

This tenacity was also seen in her perseverance against Sekisui House in Yaroomba.

Scott Whitaker.
Scott Whitaker.

30. Scott Whitaker:

Mr Whitaker is playing a key role in major roads and transport infrastructure projects on the Coast as North Coast regional director of Transport and Main Roads.

Key decisions looming include the mass transit solution, Bruce Highway works and the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange.

Alister Eiseman. Picture: LinkedIn
Alister Eiseman. Picture: LinkedIn

29. Alister Eiseman:

Pacific Motor Group branch manager Alister Eiseman celebrated his 10-year anniversary at the business this year after starting as a trainee sales consultant at age 18.

Mr Eiseman said he joined the team because he was passionate about automotives, and has since rapidly climbed the ranks.

While Mr Eiseman enjoyed his exciting and evolving industry, now focusing on electric cars and sustainable products, his life wasn’t all about cars.

Mr Eiseman’s influence spread across many initiatives, including being involved in Uniforms 4 Kids Charity, Kawana Chamber of Commerce, and Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

“The Sunshine Coast is a big community and I want to ensure I can make my mark on the future of the region and the people within it,” he said.

Jennifer Swaine.
Jennifer Swaine.

28. Jennifer Swaine:

When Jennifer Swaine and her husband moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2010, she was committed to breathing life into a region that had plenty of untapped potential.

“I’m going to do everything I can to make a difference to the Coast,” she recalled thinking.

Fast-forward to today, she has been true to her word.

Ms Swaine is one of the region’s best communication consultants, vice-chairwoman of Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance, non-executive director of Visit Sunshine Coast, and chairwoman of the prestigious and rapidly-growing Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

She said the business awards were a top priority next year, saying she wanted the next ceremony to seat 1000 people and use 100 per cent local producers for its menu.

“If we get the blueprint right, we can roll it out again and again,” she said.

Craig Mansfield.
Craig Mansfield.

27. Craig Mansfield:

The closure of a flurry of a quick succession of alleged murders at the start of 2022 proves the resolve of the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch, led by Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield.

As officer-in-charge, the seasoned Detective brings more than two decades of police experience to the role, spending a chunk of that time in the drug and serious crime task force on the Sunshine Coast.

In recent times Sergeant Mansfield in partnership with Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst also leads a community group to support victims of sexual violence on the Sunshine Coast.

Sergeant Mansfield believes the proactive work done by his detectives and the general duties police along with their skill and tenacity has been pivotal in achieving arrests and stemming crime compared to other parts of the state.

Damien Glanville.
Damien Glanville.

26. Damien Glanville:

Locality Planning Energy chief executive Damien Glanville said he was most proud of his company surviving the energy crisis and how his staff had dealt with an “immense amount” of pressure due to industry factors.

Mr Glanville made waves in May, 2022, when he announced the energy provider wrote to customers telling them his company was “no longer in a position to provide competitive rates to our (on market) residential and business customers in the Queensland region”.

LPE aims to empower people to save money on electricity costs and create sustainable future communities.

Mark Stockwell.
Mark Stockwell.

25. Mark Stockwell:

Stockwell managing director Mark Stockwell said the developer’s biggest achievement of this year was completing the subdivision works for the Noosa Business Centre delivering roads and infrastructure and creating opportunities in commercial, residential, medical and health, start-ups, entertainment and leisure.

He said his proudest moment of 2022 was achieving development approval for the Noosa Civic medihub and Hof Noosaville residential apartments.

“They are our first projects in Noosa since we developed, built, and opened Noosa Civic in 2006,” Mr Stockwell said.

Mr Stockwell even took a tilt at the top job in Australian Olympic circles, running for president of the Australian Olympic Committee in April.

William Thompson. Picture: Contributed
William Thompson. Picture: Contributed

24. William Thompson:

After joining his dad’s insurance company in 2014, William Thompson, 30, has been an unstoppable young insurance broker as 2022 marked a breakout year for the businessman.

He won the award, Young Broker of the Year, for Queensland and Australia by the National Insurance Brokers Association this year.

Mr Thompson, working at Thompson Insurance in Maroochydore, said part of his success was being surrounded by a highly-educated team.

Next year, he said he was focused on adding high-quality staff and clients to his team.

On top of being a part of his dad’s business, Mr Thompson helped launch Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce in 2018, and was an executive member of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce.

Caroline Hutchinson.
Caroline Hutchinson.

23. Caroline Hutchinson:

Veteran broadcaster Caroline Hutchinson said she was most proud of the 92.7 Mix FM Give Me Five for Kids campaign that raised $642,000 in 2022 for children’s hospital and health services on the Sunshine Coast.

She also said her breakfast show, which she co-hosts with Mark Darin, had won the breakfast ratings again this year.

“I managed to marry off two children this year too,” Ms Hutchinson said.

She said she was proud her husband had also made the Power 50 list this year.

Cleighton Clark.
Cleighton Clark.

22. Cleighton Clark:

Cleighton Clark founded Habitat Development Group in 2005, a privately owned property development company with a focus on delivering luxury properties at affordable prices.

With a track record of almost 20 years, Habitat is playing a lead role in the development of the Maroochydore city centre.

The Brisbane-based firm are behind Market Lane and The Corso Residences in the Maroochydore CBD.

In 2021, Mr Clark unveiled plans for a $153m project of 200 units across two eight-storey apartment towers overlooking Lake Kawana and was behind several significant projects in construction across the region.

Mr Clark’s company has been building on the Sunshine Coast for the past 17 years and he said it was the “most buoyant market” he had ever seen.

Roz White.
Roz White.

21. Roz White:

White’s IGA Bli Bli owner and operator Roz White is more than just a business owner – she’s a driving force of development in the community.

Aside from owning and running a major supermarket, Ms White was one of the driving forces behind the $20m Bli Bli Tavern, which was tipped to be one of largest licenced venues on the Sunshine Coast, while she was also driving a significant project breathing new life into Forest Glen.

In 2022, White’s IGA was a winner in the large category of the retail division of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

Andrew Eves-Brown. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily
Andrew Eves-Brown. Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily

20. Andrew Eves-Brown:

Sunshine Coast Council’s head of economic development Andy Eves-Brown was appointed to the role in 2020, taking over from Paul Martins who departed for a new role at Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Mr Eves-Brown previously served as chief operating officer at Gourmet Garden and chief executive officer of Coyo Australia before making the move to council.

In recent months discussions have been under way within the council, with talks of a significant global services company eyeing off a Sunshine Coast expansion.

The firm, which employs more than 100,000 people over 30 countries, has applied to the council under its investment incentive scheme and if it comes to fruition could be a major coup for Mr Eves-Brown.

Craig Hawkins. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.
Craig Hawkins. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

19. Craig Hawkins:

The Sunshine Coast’s top cop was appointed during the pandemic and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Superintendent and District Officer Craig Hawkins moved to the Coast from the Wide Bay-Burnett region and steered the area through the Covid-19 crisis.

Since cases have slowed, the region’s top cop has looked to keep the region safe, recently spearheading operations this year to save lives during Road Safety Week.

In his earlier years he was heavily involved in the police response to outlaw motorcycle gangs in the early-mid 2000s and was involved in the establishment of a number of key task forces, including Task Force Maxima.

Travis Schultz. Picture: Supplied
Travis Schultz. Picture: Supplied

18. Travis Schultz:

As one of the state’s highest-rated compensation lawyers as well as a board member on major charities and organisations, solicitor Travis Schultz holds considerable influence on the Sunshine Coast.

The public liability lawyer has made a name for himself through his successful practices and multiple legal accolades, expanding his eponymous firm Travis Schultz and Partners to Brisbane and Cairns and recently winning the Sunshine Coast 2022 Business of the Year.

Mr Schultz is also entrenched in his community and is a board member for the LifeFlight Foundation and has raised money for Wishlist, Sunshine Coast Health Services, and SunnyKids.

Andrew Brodie. Picture: Lachie Millard
Andrew Brodie. Picture: Lachie Millard

17. Andrew Brodie:

Sunshine Coast airport boss Andrew Brodie weathered the storm of the pandemic, pushed for air travel to be revived through international flights and has landed a new domestic airline partnership.

Mr Brodie ascended to the role in February 2019, with the chief Executive faced with the tough task of lobbying those in power to ensure the longevity of the Sunshine Coast asset.

Since the pandemic flights have begun to take the air again, with a large influx of travellers and millions of tourist expenditure expected to hit the Sunshine Coast through the airport’s partnership with the new domestic airline Bonza.

Tony Kelly. Photo Lachie Millard
Tony Kelly. Photo Lachie Millard

16. Tony Kelly:

Tony Kelly is the owner of nine of the most popular eateries on the Sunshine Coast, including Rice Boi, Market Bistro and Giddy Geisha.

Mr Kelly said the food and beverage scene from Caloundra through to Noosa was experiencing an exciting period where new restaurants were opening and old favourites were thriving.

“It feels like the Sunshine Coast has grown up … there’s a lot of well educated, well travelled people that live here now and their expectations are good food, good service and nice wine and drinks,” Mr Kelly said.

His latest offering, Bocca Italian, at Bokarina Beach, has opened to much fanfare in the beachside precinct.

“We’ve always tried to target the locals as our bread and butter, they’re what makes our restaurants successful, the tourists put a bit of a cherry on top,” he said.

“I think it’s just all this Covid nonsense that has certainly highlighted what a great place we have here.”

Sonia Martin.
Sonia Martin.

15. Sonia Martin:

Nambour resident and registered nurse Sonia Martin co-founded her unique healthcare service, Sunny Street, from the boot of her car in 2018 and has never been more relevant than right now as a housing crisis grips the Sunshine Coast.

Sunny Street was designed to support those experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.

Ms Martin’s 35-staff business, which started with her then business partner Dr Nova Evans, now has a clinic in Maroochydore, services South East Queensland, and has had 35,000 consultations so far.

“I’m pretty bloody driven,” she said.

Ms Martin said one of her biggest achievements this year was being awarded a Churchill Fellowship by Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia to travel to six countries next year, learning about healthcare along the way.

“It will be profound,” she said.

For Sunny Street next year, Ms Martin said she wanted to strengthen its foundations, expand its team and work on rolling out nationally.

Don O'Rorke. Picture: David Clark
Don O'Rorke. Picture: David Clark

14. Don O’Rorke:

Consolidated Properties Group chairman Don O’Rorke said the developer had invested in the Sunshine Coast “for 40 years” and had completed projects from Caloundra to Noosa and in hinterland regions.

“We’re still looking for opportunities,” he said.

“We have a large holding in Coolum Beach, which we’re exploring opportunities for.”

Consolidated Properties Group has a current $2.3b development pipeline, but all eyes in the region are on the Coolum flood plain he has currently earmarked for a World Surf League wavepark project.

Emma Thomas.
Emma Thomas.

13. Emma Thomas:

Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas has been in her position for two years, but in that time has cemented herself as a powerful political figure.

Ms Thomas took on her new role at a crucial time for the Sunshine Coast region, as the council navigates a new planning scheme for future developments and the region experiences monumental growth.

In 2022, Ms Thomas took part in the inaugural CEO Wheelie Challenge, where she spent one day living life in a wheelchair to raise funds for the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

Melva Hobson, Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods.
Melva Hobson, Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods.

12. Melva Hobson:

The Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents president Melva Hobson is most proud of how the community group “brings people together” and forms a consensus on how it will tackle issues across the Sunshine Coast.

“People are willing to share their time and skills,” Ms Hobson said.

OSCAR played a key role in several big wins for the community this year, including at Twin Waters West and Sekisui House’s proposed site in Yaroomba, supporting the key work undertaken by Development Watch on the Yaroomba proposal.

In her working life, the “young 76-year-old” took advantage of her love of geography.

She was a high school geography teacher for about 30 years before holding positions with the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Natural Resources.

She said even when she was the Redland City Council mayor, from 2008 to 2012, having geography skills came in handy.

Upon retirement, she turned her focus to her grandchildren and OSCAR, which keeps a close eye on the Noosa and Sunshine Coast councils’ development decisions and planning scheme amendments.

She said the diversity and experience in OSCAR was vast.

“Retirement doesn’t mean not doing anything,” Ms Hobson said.

She said other OSCAR members included a retired town clerk, a deputy director general and a federal policy officer.

“Plus we have members who understand trade work and who understand operational matters,” Ms Hobson said.

“The wealth of life experience the community has is incredible and I remind organisations with whom we interact of that fact.”

Her other great love is her grandchildren and “not even OSCAR” stops her from regularly picking them up from school and looking after them.

“When they are 20 years old, I hope they remember me,” Ms Hobson said.

Clayton Williams. Photo: Brett Wortman / Sunshine Coast Daily
Clayton Williams. Photo: Brett Wortman / Sunshine Coast Daily

11. Clayton Williams:

Prominent publican Clayton Williams is one of the most influential hospitality industry figures in the region.

His stable includes the Duporth Tavern, the Commercial Hotel at Nambour, Four Pines at Mooloolaba, the Rolling Surf at Kings Beach and Four Pines at Noosa.

Mr Williams told the Sunshine Coast Daily that 2022 had been a challenge with the rebound of the hospitality industry after Covid-19 and it was now so important to support local businesses.

“We had staff shortages but with the borders opening back up we’re hoping it will be game back on,” Mr Williams said.

“I think the growth of the Sunshine Coast has been positive and seeing the tourists come back.”

Mr Williams is also a major investor in The Sports Hub Sunshine Coast facility at Lake Kawana, which he said was “charging on”.

The businessman has also helped build the Brothers Rugby Club out of Bokarina, having spent a decade establishing the organisation.

“We support a lot of sporting organisations, giving back is a big part of what we do,” he said.

Mr Williams said he was excited to see the Broncos coming next year for a week and the activity at the Sunshine Coast Stadium increasing.

“I’m looking forward to the continued growth of the Coast and it’s growing multiculturalism,” he said.

Clare Stewart. Photo: Supplied
Clare Stewart. Photo: Supplied

10. Clare Stewart:

Clare Stewart said it has been a “huge privilege” to be the first female mayor for Noosa Shire Council after being elected in April, 2020, a role she describes as being a mix of hard work and satisfaction.

“It’s all about being present for our community,” she said. Ms Stewart was elevated onto the Brisbane 2032 board of directors in mid-2022, selected by the South East Queensland Council of Mayors to represent the body on the organising committee for the Games.

After more than two years as mayor, the Noosa resident and mum- of- three said some of her key achievements have had been working on disaster management, a housing strategy, and against domestic violence.

In October, local government bodythe Local Government Association of Queensland recognised Mrs Stewart for her preventionwork and raising awareness of domestic and family violence across Noosa Shire.

Earlier this month, Mrs Stewart said she was also proud to become the first patron for local not-for-profit organisation Youturn, tasked with supportinghelping to address homelessness and mental health issues in the area.

Next year, Mrs Stewart said she was focused on investing in Noosa’s hinterland, sports community, and working on transport and congestion.

Before she sprung toon the scene in Noosa, Mrs Stewart was born in Brisbane before getting married tomarrying long-term Noosa resident Cam Stewart in June 2010, and moving to the tourist town.

As if her list of achievements wasn’t long enough, the talented woman was also an author, board director of national charity Youngmancare, and founder and chief executive of Dear Molly, an online platform designed to inspire and connect women around the world.

Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.
Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

9. Christen McGarry and 8. Matt Hepburn:

It feels like you can’t escape the Your Mates guys in 2022.

Everywhere you turned they were kicking another goal as the business surged post-pandemic.

A major expansion has enabled them to increase production sixfold, while a crowd-funding project had also been launched.

Their production had already scaled up from 50,000 litres a year to 750,000, but demand was high for more and the boys had expansion plans in mind with more venues on the horizon.

Your Mates Brewing co-founder Matt Hepburn told the Sunshine Coast Daily said fulfilling his and Christen McGarry’s joint dream of owning a brewery was their biggest achievement of the year.

“I think it’s every young bloke’s dream to own their own brewery and we’ve achieved that, our expansion that has happened over the last couple of months has definitely blown our dreams and expectations out of the water,” Mr Hepburn said.

“It’s been plenty of blood sweat and tears throughout the years … looking back to when we were in Moffat Beach in our garage it’s very surreal.”

The new brewery, that had been almost 10 years in the making, will be launched officially on December 10, 2022.

Mr Hepburn, 32, said the $11.5m project could boost production from 800,000 to 4-5 million litres of beer each year.

He said he longed to open a new production facility and was “super fortunate” to land an initial nine-year lease at 43 Technology Drive.

The co-owner said the restrictive period was difficult through Covid-19, but felt a sense of positivity in the air after a tough year.

“What we’re really trying to do now is celebrate the wins together and with our community and continue to embrace what we’ve created and really try to enjoy it,” Mr Hepburn said.

“I’m really proud of the culture we’ve created, we’re not just talking about the dream we’re actually going out there and living it, being a part of our community and being real.

“We’re drinking good beers with good mates and having a good time, that’s our motto and that’s what we live by.”

Robert Irwin. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Robert Irwin. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

7. Robert Irwin:

From feeding crocodiles in front of cheering crowds to appearing on American late night shows, Robert Irwin, 18, has quickly become a global conservation celebrity while growing up at his home in Australia Zoo.

The zookeeper and wildlife enthusiast has become the spitting image of his dad, Steve Irwin, the legendary and famous crocodile hunter who tragically passed away fromfollowing a stingray attack in late 2006.

While he had big boots to fill being theas Steve Irwin’s son of the wildlife entertainer, Robert Irwine has been well up to the challenge.

The young man, under the wing of mum Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin, has played a lead role at Australia Zoo, educating and entertaining crowds at its Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum, and taking part in annual crocodile research trips to Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

But while it was in his blood to be involved in nature, Mr Irwin, who has 3.6 million followers on Instagram, has also become a hit outside of his zoo.

The young man, often seen as the ‘“baby’” in the Irwin family, has revealed his modelling potential after featuring on the front cover of Australia’s Stellar Magazine this year.

His photo shoot was a hit, but Mr Irwin was normally on the other side of the camera, being a keen and gifted photographer himself.

In fact, he unveiled his first photography book, Robert Irwin’s Australia, in October.

“It’s a proud moment for me and a passion project that has been years in the making,” he said on his Instagram.

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart. Photo: Patrick Woods.
Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart. Photo: Patrick Woods.

6. Kerri-Lyn Stewart and 5. Michael Stewart:

Sunshine Coast parents Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart are living every parent’s worst nightmare, after their 16-year-old son, Balin Stewart, was allegedly stabbed in the chest and bled to death outside his Buddina home on January 20, 2022.

A 17-year-old boy was later charged with Balin’s murder, but in the wake of his death, Mr and Mrs Stewart started the Balin Stewart Foundation and kickstarted the campaign Bin the Blade for Balin in the hopes of ensuring no other parent has to live their same experience.

Their message is clear – keep your children safe and keep them away from knives.

Mr Stewart said his role in the foundation consisted of attending different schools to share the confronting truth about youth knife crime, while Mrs Stewart is at the helm of organising the events in support of the foundation’s cause.

“I make (the presentations) … fairly hard hitting to get the point across,” Mr Stewart said.“ If someone else had given that style of talk that I’m giving to (Balin’s) school or the person that committed the crime, there’s a good chance they might not have carried a knife in the first place. If the knife wasn’t present, there was no harm.”

Mrs Stewart said in a perfect world, she and Mr Stewart would be continuing their cause with Balin by their side.

She said more needed to be done about youth knife crime, and the progress they’d achieved through their efforts were “just the tip of the iceberg”.

“It’s a growing epidemic … the government needs to get behind it a bit more for education, just to create a bit more awareness,” she said.

She and Mr Stewart agreed their proudest achievement was the concert the held at NightQuarter in Balin’s honour for what would have been his 17th birthday.

“It was just to have a party for him and to get the awareness out,” she said.

Mayor Mark Jamieson.
Mayor Mark Jamieson.

4. Mark Jamieson:

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson’s tenure since his election in 2012 has culminated in not only the growth of the region but a push to future proof the council area for its inevitable population growth in the next half century.

Originally taking the top job during the global financial crisis, Mr Jamieson was able to harness the Sunshine Coast’s economic potential which has led to significant growth in the region. But that growth hasn’t come without critics and the mayor has become a polarising figure in the region.

It’s yet to be seen whether his involvement in the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics bid to secure infrastructure needed for the growing region will pay off, or in what shape the infrastructure will be delivered.

Among his other notable achievements included was the council’s push to raise Sunshine Coast average household incomes above the state’s average, the development of the Maroochydore CBD and the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport.

The council secured a UNESCO Biosphere classification this year and delivered its first significant public facilities along the Mooloolaba foreshore as part of regeneration works.

Lang Walker. Picture: Supplied
Lang Walker. Picture: Supplied

3. Lang Walker:

Powerhouse property icon Lang Walker has continued his influence across the Sunshine Coast through his help in the masterplan for Maroochydore’s CBD development.

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.

Mr Walker began his eponymous company with his father in 1964 as a civil engineering and quarrying business, with the business expanding over nearly 60 years from residential housing lots to grand developments.

Almost 15 years ago the development icon saw the potential of Maroochydore when it was a golf course.

Fast forward to 2022 the project has begun to take shape, with Mr Walker being one of several powerful voices pushing for the establishment of the heavy rail to Maroochydore to facilitate the Sunshine Coast’s growth.

Robert Comiskey. Picture, John Gass
Robert Comiskey. Picture, John Gass

2. Rob Comiskey:

Director and co-founder of Comiskey Group, Rob Comiskey is a force to be reckoned with in the construction and hospitality industry, as one of the names behind the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane’s biggest hospitality attractions.

With developments such as the Sandstone Point Hotel and Eaton’s Hill Hotel already under their belt, and upcoming developments such as the highly anticipated Aura Hotel in Caloundra, Mr Comiskey is at the helm of one of the biggest entertainment and construction companies in the state and its reach is spreading rapidly across the Coast.

“My Mum and Dad were always entrepreneurs … I probably came with the right genes, I suppose, that’s one way to look at it,” he said.

A major pub project is on the way in Doonan and Mr Comiskey is in the middle of a council process to try and deliver on his Coochin Fields music festival vision, with camping and glamping sites also pitched. He credited his family with instilling the “entrepreneurial spirit of “have a go” through the years of his parents owning and operating various businesses.

But Mr Comiskey would soon follow in his parents’ footsteps, after studying architecture and getting into the hospitality development business.

Then, in 2004, after approximately a decade in the business, Mr Comiskey joined his brother, David, and their father, Paul, at the helm of Comiskey Group.

Now, in 2022, with several big developments already attached to his name and several more in the pipeline, Mr Comiskey shows no signs of slowing down.

“We have just under 500 employees … but in the next few years, we’ll probably double our workforce and have one thousand employees,” he said.

He said the highlight of 2022 was seeing the Sunshine Coast branch of the business grow, and he was excited to see the highly anticipated Aura Hotel come together in 2023.

Minister Mark Bailey. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Minister Mark Bailey. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

1. Mark Bailey:

He may not be a local, but Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has the power to affect every life in the region, both now and into the future, in significant ways.

Desperately needed rail infrastructure, including heavy rail upgrades through to Nambour, a passenger rail line into Maroochydore and supporting transit systems have the potential to transform life for residents of the region.

A reliable 45-minute to an hour trip to Brisbane by train would be the most significant piece of transport progress the region could take and provide a real alternative to Bruce Highway travel.

And Mr Bailey has the power to bring the vision to life.

The community has made its views on a light rail along the beachfront known – a Brisbane Metro-style system or ‘green bus’ system supporting the heavy rail line from Maroochydore appears more palatable than a fixed-line service along some of the region’s best beachfront.

Proper cycling infrastructure, the Mooloolah River Interchange and ongoing road network improvements will all be required to service what is a rapidly growing region, including major upgrades to the Sunshine Motorway north of the Maroochy River.

If the state government is serious about this region, now is the best chance to back it, as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 loom ever larger.

This region is watching very closely what moves the decision makers in George St and their powerbrokers are making.

Mr Bailey said on the Sunshine Coast, Labor was delivering infrastructure totalling more than $3.1bn in projects in this budget alone.

“From expanding the Bruce Highway, building the Bells Creek Arterial new corridor, upgrading interchanges and duplicating the rail line between Beerburrum and Beerwah, an army of high-vis is out on the ground delivering new projects, both road and rail,” he said.

The Minister said the infrastructure was “all the more important” as the state prepared for population growth and the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

“Proper planning is at the heart of success and that’s why we’re doing the necessary planning for a direct rail extension to the Sunshine Coast from Beerwah, mass transit, future Bruce Highway upgrades and more to deliver what this growing region needs,” the Minister said.

“We want to invest in the right new projects and get it right the first time while bringing local residents with us to make sure we deliver the best outcomes possible.”

He said it was a big job.

“But we’ve made great progress already with record Sunshine Coast investments and I’m up for the challenge ahead,” Mr Bailey said.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/vote-now-for-sunshine-coast-power-50-list-2022-poll/news-story/cd468be935f85d6538e31a325a0950ad