From politicians, teachers and business people to our world class tennis champion Ash Barty, Greater Springfield is emerging as a city with plenty of stars.

There is no denying these people are influential and work hard to secure a better future for our community.

Here is The Springfield News list of Greater Springfield’s 20 most influential people — The Springfield Power 20.

We’ll reveal five people every day until the top spot is announced on Monday, December 10.

10. LEON PROUD

His school has been built on an ungraciously steep slope, but you soon get the idea Greater Springfield State High School principal Leon Proud doesn’t mind that. Those stairs provide good exercise and a daily metaphor, perhaps, for the virtues of aiming high. Regardless, the school hums with activity as teachers and 1540 students get about pursuing the most modern of education agendas. Richly multicultural and forward looking, under Mr Proud’s three-year watch the school has grown from 1100. He says no matter the size of a school each individual student matters. “Our job is to provide each student an education and opportunities,” he says. His idea of education requires a partnership between the school, students and parents. “Like our school motto Scale Great Heights, we want students to strive for the highest of standards.” With his own three children educated at the school, Mr Proud also has a lot at stake personally in the place with one straight aim: “Our aim is to have 100 per cent of students from Year 13 learning or earning.”

9. LISA MACKINTOSH

When a new McDonald’s store for Greater Springfield was announced earlier this year, franchise owner Lisa Mackintosh knew she had to find 70 more hardworking, punctual people to cook burgers and clean the tables. As the owner of three nearby McDonald’s franchises — at Augustine Heights, Orion Springfield and Springfield Lakes — Ms Mackintosh wasn’t phased by this tall order. She hires a range of age groups. Her tip for people who want the jobs is to “turn up, be on time and work hard”. Ms Mackintosh sees enormous potential for growth in Greater Springfield. The fourth store seemed a bit early to some, but Ms Mackintosh forged ahead regardless. She says everyone is entitled to criticise fast food, but encourages them to think about McDonald’s sponsorship program, which sponsors children’s sport, and the jobs the stores create for young people. “I’m creating jobs in the area so after school, they can come and earn money.”

8. DR RICHARD EDEN

Since September last year, Dr Eden has been a trusted technology and education visionary for the Springfield Land Corporation, which he joined as Executive General Manager, Education and Smart City Enterprises. A master planned Greater Springfield with education, health and technology as its cornerstones is just his cup of tea. Richard believes the hallmark of a modern digital organisation is being able to move effectively and fast. He knows how to drive partnerships, investment and scalable projects that connect services to new digital realities, creating jobs and vibrant economies. Richard was recognised in the 2014 Australia Day Awards for Outstanding Services to education, training and employment.

7. JOCK FAIRWEATHER

With an early, and unusual, story of glory as a London shoe designer, Jock Fairweather has gone on to further acclaim as the young founder of Little Tokyo Two in Brisbane – and now Springfield. Mr Fairweather’s co-working and event spaces provide a launch pad for start-ups by offering space in which individuals can grow their ideas in the company of others. “Working from home can be the worst – I did it for seven years and went stir crazy,” he said. His own idea is to be the executive enabler of other people’s ideas – and it’s been a modern success story. “We want to grow our spaces and software throughout southeast Queensland, but beyond that my goal is to pair people with others in South East Asia, for economic, financial, or cultural mentoring, whatever they need.” It’s a success story, and Jock Fairweather is quickly working out what to do next.

6. UNCLE ALBERT HOLT

Uncle Albert Holt came from humble beginnings and has defied harsh odds to become a leader and a catalyst for change, particularly in the Indigenous community where he champions legal rights and education. As a young child Uncle Albert was forcibly removed from his childhood home, spending years at Cherbourg when it was little better than a prison for Aboriginal people. Earlier this year the Hymba Yumba Community Hub, the school at Springfield he helped build from the ground up, paid tribute to his great contribution by naming a building in his honour. He is an author and has made great achievements in improving legal justice outcomes for young Aboriginal people. Uncle Albert is a force to be reckoned with – and a strong voice in the community.